The Administrator’s Role in the Success of ELLs

These strategies, adaptable to your school’s needs, can help ensure the success of English language learners.

By Sarah Elia

January 4, 2024

Edutopia

Sarah Elia's article, "The Administrator’s Role in the Success of ELLs," published on January 4, 2024, provides a thorough exploration of strategies school leaders can adopt to enhance the educational experience of English language learners (ELLs). Elia emphasizes that while support systems are crucial for all students, they are particularly vital for ELLs who often face significant academic and social challenges.

**Key Strategies for Supporting ELLs**

1. **Professional Support in Core Classes**: Elia stresses the importance of ensuring that ELLs receive adequate support across all core subjects—history, English language arts, math, and science. She recommends grouping ELLs in classes with certified English as a Second Language (ESL) or bilingual teachers. In schools with a higher concentration of ELLs, having dual-certified teachers in TESOL and the content area can be particularly beneficial. However, she notes the challenges of high needs among ELLs and suggests keeping the student-to-teacher ratio manageable.

2. **Dedicated School Counselor**: Assigning a specific counselor to ELLs can streamline scheduling and support by placing these students in classes with additional resources and ensuring they benefit from collective peer support. This approach also aids in addressing any social and emotional needs unique to ELLs.

3. **School Translator and Family Advocacy**: Establishing a role for a school translator and family advocacy worker helps bridge communication gaps between the school and non-English-speaking families. This position is crucial for translating important documents and fostering strong family-school relationships, ensuring that all ELLs receive equitable support.

4. **Accessibility at School Events**: Elia advises making all school events inclusive for ELL guardians by providing translators or using translation apps. This inclusion helps ensure that all parents can engage fully with the school community and understand their children’s education.

5. **Welcoming New Students**: To ease the transition for new ELLs, Elia suggests providing welcome packets in appropriate languages, tours with translators, and assigning student volunteers to help acclimate new students. This personalized approach can significantly reduce anxiety for newcomers and promote a sense of belonging.

6. **Professional Development and Collaboration**: Regular professional development specifically designed to address the needs of multilingual learners is essential. Elia encourages collaboration between classroom teachers and ELL specialists to enhance instructional strategies and support.

7. **Community Service and Peer Support**: Encouraging other students to engage with ELLs through structured community service opportunities can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. These interactions benefit both ELLs and their peers.

8. **Academic Accommodations and Support Programs**: Providing accommodations like extra time on tests, separate testing locations, and after-school language support programs can significantly enhance the academic success of ELLs.

In summary, Elia’s article serves as a comprehensive guide for administrators looking to create a supportive and effective learning environment for English language learners. By tailoring these strategies to meet the specific needs of their school’s ELL population, administrators can ensure these students thrive academically and socially.

Educators interested in further details can find the full article at [Original Detailed URL](https://www.ascd.org/blog/the-administrators-role-in-the-success-of...).

Original Article

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-school-leaders-can-support-eng...

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com