English Learner Program

About English Learner

The English Learner (EL) program provides English language instruction and support for students K-12 who are unable to communicate fluently in English. Through development of listening, speaking, reading and writing (including vocabulary and grammar skills), students are assisted in becoming independent English speakers and learners. English Learners meet with EL staff on a regular basis for instruction. Materials and methods are appropriate to the grade, age, and language levels of students.

EL Mission

The intent of the EL program is to ensure successful academic achievement for all TCAPS students who qualify for English language services.

EL Goals

The English Learner Program strives to accomplish the following goals:

• To provide quality English language instruction for all English Learners (EL) in grades K-12 so they may become proficient in the four domains of the English language: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• To assist all students in accessing content-area instruction while learning English, so that they can work towards or remain at grade level and make progress toward grade level competencies in content areas.
• To familiarize the EL student with the varied cultures and customs of the United States while promoting their own ethnic pride through cultural diversity and sensitivity.
• To assist English Learners and their families in becoming participating members of the Traverse City Area Public Schools community.

In addition, Traverse City Area Public Schools' EL program maintains follow-up on students who have exited the program. This process ensures that all Former English Learner (FEL) students are monitored through collaboration with the EL teaching assistant and the classroom teacher, in addition to the district EL coach.

More About EL

The TCAPS English Learner Program works carefully to properly identify students who qualify for English language support services. Determining who qualifies as an English learner involves the following multiple steps:

• All TCAPS students fill out a home language survey as part of the registration packet. 

• If a student has a native tongue other than English (ex: Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Chinese, etc.) or there is a primary language other than English spoken in the home  (ex: Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Chinese, etc.), the student will qualify to be screened for English language services. 

• A trained staff member will administer the WIDA screener. Depending on the score, the student may qualify for English language services. If so, he/she is considered an English learner. 

English learners may be immigrants from other countries or students who were born in the United States.

Once identified, the program connects English Learners with additional supports available. The TCAPS English Learner Program serves students coming from any country speaking any language. We are proud to currently represent students speaking over 26 languages.

How Long Does It Take to Learn a New Language?

• Social Proficiency (informal language at school, home, the playground): 1-3 Years
• Academic Proficiency (content-based language of the classroom): 5-7 Years

For More EL Program Information

Contact the Curriculum & Instruction Department, 231.933.1775.

Common Acronyms

• EL: English Learner
• ELL: English Language Learner 
• ESL: English as a Second Language
• LEP: Limited English Proficient
• FEL: Former English Learner