The ELL program is about supporting students so they become competent in English and successful in all subjects. Our ELL classrooms honor and respect the many cultures that gather there each day.
Transitional bilingual instruction for students learning English
The district’s English Language Learner program provides services to over 1,300 students from 88 language groups. It is also known as the transitional bilingual instruction program. The program gives students the support they need to successfully learn conversational and academic English. The ELL program is available to qualified students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Enrollment in ELL
Parents complete a Home Language Survey (HLS) at the school when they register their student. If the parent indicates that the student’s primary language is something other than English, the student is referred for an English proficiency assessment. The student is given the Washington Language Proficiency Test II (WLPT-II). This test checks a student’s overall ability to communicate and understand English through speaking, listening, reading and writing. A certified ELL teacher or trained WLPT-II proctor administers the test. If a student scores at Level 1, 2 or 3, he/she is eligible for transitional/bilingual services.
Schools with ELL programs
The English Language Learner (ELL) program is offered at a limited number of schools. Students are placed at a school as close as possible to their neighborhood school.
| ELL Services are Offered at the Following Schools: |
| Elementary |
Alcott, Audubon, Bell, Einstein, Frost, Juanita, Keller, Muir, Redmond, Rockwell, Rose Hill, Rush, Twain |
Junior High |
Kamiakin, Redmond, Rose Hill |
High School |
Juanita, Lake Washington, Redmond |
Bilingual Resources
These Web sites offer more information for parents and others interested in English Language Learner services.
English Language Development Standards and Language Proficiency Levels (OSPI)
This site provides information about the English Language Development standards and Language Proficiency Levels for the state of Washington.
MSP/HSPE Graduation Requirements (OSPI)
Looking for information about the MSP/HSPE or graduation requirements? The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has documents about the MSP/HSPE and graduation requirements for parents.
Sheltered Immersion Observation Protocol (SIOP)
Sheltered Immersion Observation Protocol, often referred to as SIOP, is an instructional framework that helps teachers enhance English language proficiency in ELL students while teaching other content areas.
Multilingual Math Glossary
The McGraw-Hill Companies developed a multilingual math glossary that translates math terms into 12 languages plus English. There is a glossary for K-5 and grades 6-12.
Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence (CREDE)
CREDE provides information and research that supports English Language Learners.
Colorin Colorado
This is a bilingual site for families and educators working with English Language Learners. The focus of the site is on developing reading skills.
Un sitio bilingüe para familias y maestros para ayudar a los niños a leer.
Contact Information
For more information about the ELL program, contact the ELL Office at (425) 936-1323.