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Language Acquisition Support Services (LASS-ESL)

Mission

For English language learners to become proficient speakers, readers and writers of English, to master content through appropriate instruction and materials, and to become familiar with cultural aspects of the United States.

Please click in the following links for more information:

  1. Key Information
  2. Language Acquisition Training
  3. Staff
  4. Resources
    1. Translated Forms and Documents
    2. Glossary
    3. Useful links

Key Information

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) is the main program used in District 12 for providing service to ELLs.
  • An English Language Learner (ELL) is a student who has a primary language other than English and whose English has not yet reached proficiency
  • LAU Categories Lau A (no English) Lau B (limited English) Lau C (near fluent orally, but limited readers/writers) Lau D (fluent speakers, readers and writers of English) Lau E (native English speakers)
  • BICS- Social Language (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) Time to acquire-6 months to 2 years
  • CALP- Academic Language (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) Time to acquire-5 to 7 years

Language Acquisition Training

Goal for Training

To provide district level training in Sheltered Instruction strategies.

LASS Department Staff

Julie Dutch, Director of Language Acquisition ext. 6024
Deb McCowen, Admin. Assist. ext. 4282
Bobby Butkovich, Testing Coordinator - ext. 4284
Erica Ramsthaler, Language Acquisition Specialist - ext. 4338.
Vicki Kaplan, Sec. Language Acquisition Specialist - ext. 4316
Marti Page, Elementary Language Acquisition Specialist - ext. 4290
Mary Anderson, Elementary Language Acquisition Specialist - ext. 7111.