RTI and ELLs

I think that it's important for teachers to remember that ESL is not an intervention-it is core curriculum. (State School Code 14-C) In fact, state school code even specifies that ESL is to be the language arts grade for ELLs. ELLs need appropriate instruction with HQ teachers for the correct amount of time. (2 class periods daily for levels 1-3 high services-1 class period daily for levels 4-5 low service) ELLs also need "time to cook." It takes 5-7 years (Cummins, 2005) to attain academic language proficiency in a new language.

There is a good universal screener for ELLs that also aligns with ACCESS. We are piloting the Rigby for ELLs (2007) and will probably go district-wide with it next fall. It is not cheap- $1200 per kit. It is a Harcourt product and assesses an ELL student in all 4 domains of English language proficiency. It also correlates with Fountes and Pinnel and DRA reading levels. We are using Rigby check lists in six areas for progress monitoring.

It is also important to note that an over emphasis on fluency and phonics for ELLs is counter productive. ELLs should be at a level four in oral language before mainstream English language probes are valid. (Gottlieb 2007)