More than 180 different language groups are represented by the students in the United States schools. The number of students whose first language is not English increases annually. In the 2005-2006 school year, Massachusetts Public Schools served more than 51,000 English Language Learners (ELLs) speaking 112 different languages.

Over the past few years, the Uxbridge Public School District has experienced growth of its ELL population. The school district identified 36 of its students as ELLs in 2008-2009 school year compared with 10 students in 2003-2004. Formerly, a homogeneous community, the school district currently has a more diverse multi-cultural population than ever before. A Home Language Survey in 2005 indicated that 10 different languages are represented in the Uxbridge School District. In addition to English, nine other languages spoken at home include Spanish, Arabic, Greek, Portuguese, Punjabi, Serbian, Indian, Chinese, and Polish.

The ultimate goal of the ELL program in the Uxbridge School District is to mainstream English Language Learners in a way that will enhance their academic performance and help them become successful learners and responsible citizens in their newly adapted community. It is the position of the Massachusetts Department of Education and Uxbridge Public Schools that ELL students can achieve levels of academic proficiency comparable to those of the native English speaking population. It is the responsibility of our school district to provide quality equitable access to educational opportunities to all students regardless of national origin or native language. ELL students entering the district are provided with a variety of instructional services through an ELL program which is designed to meet their unique needs.

English language Learners are identified through the use of the Home Language Survey. The revised copy of the Home Language Survey will be distributed throughout the district in August. Completion of the survey is required of all the students including kindergarten. If the Home Language Survey indicates that the student's first language spoken at home other than English, the student will be assessed in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to identify child's proficiency level. If the student is identified as an English Language Learner, appropriate placement (based on age, prior education, and skills) and instructional support will be provided.

ELL program in the Uxbridge School District emphasizes learning for both social and academic purposes. ELL classes are designed to provide English Language Learners support in all curricular content areas, including instruction in English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). All students are taught in English with native language support as needed. ELL students receive instruction that is designed specifically to provide a solid foundation in academic language skills.

A research-based structured Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) is a required program model for most of all ELLs and has two components, English Language Development and Sheltered content instruction. ELD instruction helps students in all aspects of language arts: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Sheltered content instruction that includes strategies that make content area subjects (math, science, technology education, social studies, etc.) more comprehensible to students. Also, ELL program assists students in understanding multi-cultural perspectives and functioning within American society.

As well, Uxbridge Public Schools continues its ongoing professional development series for mainstream teachers? to enable them to meet the needs of ELL students.

If you need assistance from the Uxbridge Public Schools Department of Pupil Services, call 508-278-8648, Ext. 112 or e-mail  pupilservices@uxbridgeschools.com


CLICK HERE for English Language Learners (ELL) Online Resource Websites >>

CLICK HERE for the Home Language Survey in printable (.PDF) format >>