Overview of the Program

The purpose of the English Language Learner (ELL) Program is to provide English language instruction to limited and non-English speaking students who enter our community and require these services.  It is the goal of the program to assist students in becoming full participants in the regular education program. 

There are many program models for students who are acquiring English as an additional language.  Because we serve a population that is very diverse in language and culture, the ELL program in Millard is a content-based program in which students are grouped by language ability level. Group assignments are flexible and temporary, changing according to the learners’ needs.  Students spend the majority of the school day mainstreamed in the regular education program, receiving relevant, meaningful support services from highly trained ELL teachers in ELL classes. Typically, a student will spend two to four years in the ELL Program.  After the student has met the basic requirements and is exited to regular education, he or she will be monitored for a period of two years to assure success in the regular education program.

The English Language Learner Program Goals and Outcomes document has been written by Millard teachers and is the curriculum that guides instruction.  Lessons in the ELL classroom are centered on the four domains of language:  reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Teachers often plan instruction around content themes to maximize opportunities for students to acquire language and concepts.  Multiple teaching strategies and grouping patterns are used to maximize student involvement in classroom activities.  A variety of interactive and independent teaching formats are used to develop students’ critical thinking skills and concept knowledge.

In addition, ELL teachers are familiar with the state standards in English/Language Arts and the ELL guidelines set forth by the state of Nebraska for K-12 learners.  Teachers have been trained in the theoretical principles of second language acquisition and receive on-going staff development in best practices for teaching limited English proficient (LEP) students.