Let's Talk About... ESL

English as a Second Language (ESL) is instruction specifically designed for English language learners. ESL focuses on the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. This type of instruction is also commonly known as:

• English Language Development (ELD)
• English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
• English language learner (ELL) instruction

ESL is a supplementary, comprehensive English language program for students trying to learn the language to better function in American society. As the primary spoken language in a country with a rich history of immigration and cultural diversity, English and its mastery are an important part of educational development.

English as a Second Language is NOT an intervention. The word intervene implies coming between and halting. ESL teachers are not intervening between a student’s primary language and English. Rather, the goal is to use the student’s literacy skills from their primary language as a leverage to build English proficiency. Simply put, ESL instruction provides students a service to add English to their language repertoire.

ESL is NOT Special Education. A learner might appear to have a learning disability when it is actually a language barrier that could be addressed through ESL instruction. However, ESL students are just as likely as Native-English speaking students to have a learning disability. It is important that both language development and cognitive learning disabilities be assessed if concerns arise and serviced separately.

All educators teach ESL students! As the fastest growing demographic in American public schools, most teachers will encounter ESL students in their classrooms. While ESL instruction must be designed and provided by a certified ESL teacher, all teachers are required to differentiate their instruction to meet the needs of ESL students. The Every Student Succeeds Act reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. This act federally mandated that ESL instruction be provided to all ESL students in public schools and the educational needs of these students be met to ensure academic proficiency and ensure inclusion.