1. English Learners In
International Schools
Dr. Virginia P. Rojas
ASCD Faculty
Fall 2013

2. Myth or Not?
1. Younger children are better at
languages than older children.
2. Parents and teachers should correct
each and all mistakes children make
with language.
3. It takes two years to become fully
proficient in another language.

3. Myth or Not?
4. Parents should not maintain the
home language if they want their
children to acquire English.
5. Children should only study one
language at a time in order not be
confused.
6. It is important for schools to limit
the number of English learners in an
English-language school.

4. Myth or Not?
7. Parents should invest in after-school
English tutors in order to accelerate
language acquisition.
8. Students who are ‘weak’ in English
should be separated from those who
are ‘strong’.
9. Parents and teachers should have
different expectations for English
learners than for native speakers.

5. Myth or Not?
10. All languages but English should
be forbidden on internationalschool campuses.

6. English Proficiency &
Biligualism
1
6
2
3
4
5

7. Six Key Principles for ELL
Instruction
1. Instruction intentionally provides
opportunities for practicing
language features of each
discipline.
2. Home languages and cultures are
regarded as assets.
3. Instruction is linguistically and
academically rigorous (i.e.
standards aligned).
©Language, Literacy & Learning in the Content Areas,
http:/ell.stanford.edu

8. Six Key Principles for ELL
Instruction
4. Instruction is designed to meet the
different needs of each learner.
5. Instruction is designed to support all
learners’ to progress in speaking,
reading & writing academic language.
6. Learners’ academic language is
monitored systematically to
ensure growth.
©Language, Literacy & Learning in the Content Areas,
http:/ell.stanford.edu

9. What can parents do to help ?
1. Maintain your mother tongue.
2. Give “wait time” (5-7).
3. Make time for ‘school’
discussions.
4. Be informed (+).
5. Plan bilingualism (www.multilingual-matters.com).

10. Questions …