SESSION 2

The Needs of
English Language Learners
and the
Process of Learning a New Language

Prepared by Illinois Resource Center

What are the specific needs of English language learners?

1. Connections to the knowledge, social/cultural values and experiences
that they bring to the classroom.
2. Development of oral fluency and cognitive academic language
proficiency (preferably in L1 and L2)
3. Development of literacy skills (preferable in L1 and L2)
4. Comprehensible instruction in social studies, science and math
5. Development of academic knowledge commensurate with their grade
level peers
6. Instruction and assessment in a safe, low risk environment where their
language and culture are valued
How do we address these needs?
Native language instruction and / or support with certified personnel
ESL instruction embedded in context content based or sheltered
instruction
Purposeful interaction with English-speaking peers
Content curriculum alignment with district and state learning (in L 1 and
L2 )
Student centered instruction which utilizes and connects the prior
knowledge of English language learners to classroom activities
Fair and appropriate assessment procedures
Becoming a multicultural school through meaningful staff development

 Comprehensible Input: when learners understand

the message in the targeted language

Message vs. Form: when there is a focus on

what is said, rather than on how it is said

Meaningful Communication: when language is

used for communicating real ideas

Low Affective Filter: when the level of stress in the

childs environment/s is low

Source: Steve Krashen

3

BICS, CALP and CUP:

SECOND LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AND LEARNING THEORY
Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) educators commonly refer to two
types of English language proficiency: Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). These terms were coined by Jim Cummins
(1980). Cummins found that while most students learned sufficient English to engage in social
communication in about two years, they typically needed five to seven years to acquire the type
of language skills needed for successful participation in content classrooms. Limited English
proficient (LEP) students language skills are often informally assessed upon the ability of the
student to comprehend and respond to conversational language. However, children who are
proficient in social situations may not be prepared for the academic, context-reduced, and
literacy demands of mainstream classrooms. Judging students language proficiency based on
oral and/or social language assessments becomes problematic when the students perform well in
social conversations but do poorly on academic tasks. The students may be incorrectly tagged as
having learning deficits or may even be referred for testing as learning disabled.
The terms BICS and CALP tend to be imprecise, value-laden, simplified, and misused to
stereotype English language learners (Baker, 1993). Cummins (1984) addressed this problem
through a theoretical framework which embeds the CALP language proficiency concept within a
larger theory of Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP). The three terms are discussed below.
Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS)
The commonly used acronym BICS describes social, conversational language used for oral
communication. Also described as social language, this type of communication offers many cues
to the listener and is context-embedded language. Usually it takes about two years for students
from different linguistic backgrounds to comprehend context-embedded social language readily.
English language learners can comprehend social language by:
observing speakers non-verbal behavior (gestures, facial expressions and eye actions);
observing others reactions;
using voice cues such as phrasing, intonations, and stress;
observing pictures, concrete objects, and other contextual cues which are present; and
asking for statements to be repeated, and/or clarified.
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP)
CALP is the context-reduced language of the academic classroom. It takes five to seven years
for English language learners to become proficient in the language of the classroom because:
non-verbal clues are absent;
there is less face-to-face interaction;
academic language is often abstract;
literacy demands are high (narrative and expository text and textbooks are written beyond the
language proficiency of the students); and
cultural/linguistic knowledge is often needed to comprehend fully.

Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP)

Cummins common underlying proficiency model of bilingualism can be pictorially
represented in the form of two icebergs. The two icebergs are separate above the surface. That
is, two languages are visibly different in outward conversation. Underneath the surface, the two
icebergs are fused such that the two languages do not function separately. Both languages
operate through the same central processing system.
Social Language

L1

L2

Surface level

Common Underlying Proficiency

(Central Operating System)

Language proficiency alone will not determine when English language learners are
prepared to use their second language (L2) to learn with their grade level monolingual Englishspeaking peers. Previous schooling, academic knowledge, and literacy skills that second
language learners have in their first language (L1) are also strong determiners (Cummins, 1984,
Baker, 1993 ). Cummins framework may be summarized as follows:
Regardless of the language in which a person is operating, the thoughts that accompany
talking, reading, writing, and listening come from the same central engine. When a person
owns two or more languages, there is one integrated source of thought.
Bilingualism and multilingualism are possible because people have the capacity to store two
or more languages. People can function in two or more languages with relative ease.
Information processing skills and educational attainment may be developed through two
languages as well as through one language. Cognitive functioning and school achievement
may be fed through one monolingual channel or equally successfully through two well
developed language channels. Both channels feed the same central processor.
The language the child is using in the classroom needs to be sufficiently well developed to be
able to process the cognitive challenges of the classroom.
Speaking, listening, reading or writing in the first or the second language helps the whole
cognitive system to develop. However, if children are made to operate in an insufficiently
developed second language, the system will not function well. If children are made to
operate in the classroom in a poorly developed second language, the quality and quantity of
what they learn from complex materials and produce in oral and written form may be
relatively weak.
Sources:
Baker, C. (1993). Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Cummins, J. (1980). The construct of language proficiency in bilingual education. In J.E. Alatis (ed.) Georgetown
University Round Table on Languages and Linguistics. Washington DC: Georgetown University Press.
Cummins, J. (1984). Wanted: A theoretical framework for relating language proficiency to academic achievement
among bilingual students. In C. Rivera (ed.), Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement. Clevedon: Multilingual
Matters.
Teacher Today, IER, Volume 5, No. 4, 1990

Levels of Language Proficiency - Paired with Cummins Iceberg

Farquar came from Iraq a year ago at age 9. He only has about a year of formal education due
to the war and subsequent closing of schools. Since entering school in the USA he has made
little progress academically. What does his iceberg look like? What educational
recommendations would you make?
Rosa was educated in Mexico City. She reads and writes at grade level in Spanish but has
little to no academic skills in English nor does she speak English. What does her iceberg look
like? What educational recommendations would you make?
Born in Los Angeles, Rafael speaks a mix of Spanish and English at home and
school. He can converse quite well in both languages but is not making
academic progress in either language. What does his iceberg look like? What educational
recommendations would you make?
Sho-Win does fairly well in her bilingual class. She reads and writes at
grade level in Chinese. She plays mostly with English-speaking children at
recess and is understood by them although she has no English academic skills.
What does her iceberg look like? What educational recommendations would you make?
Ronas mother reads to her at home each night in Romanian. At the age of ten
she reads at grade level in Romanian and is beginning to read some English
books. What does her iceberg look like? What educational recommendations would you
make?
Lucia is able to converse with others fluently in both English and Spanish. She has moved
quite frequently in her young life and is experiencing difficulty in all content areas including
reading in both languages. What does her iceberg look like? What educational
recommendations would you make?

General Pattern of K-12 Language Minority Student Achievement on

Standardized Tests in English Reading

Compared Across Six Program Models

(Data aggregated from a series of 3-7 year longitudinal studies from wellimplemented, mature programs in five school districts)
Wayne P. Thomas and Virginia P. Collier, 1997

70

Program 1: Two-way developmental bilingual education (BE)

Program 2: Late-exit bilingual education and ESL taught through academic content
Program 3: Early-exit bilingual education and ESL taught through academic content
Program 4: Early-exit bilingual education and ESL taught traditionally
Program 5: ESL taught through academic content using current approaches
Program 6: ESL Pullout-taught traditionally

60

Average performance of
native-English speakers
making one years
progress in each
3

40

50

30

20

10

11

GRADE
7

Bilingual/ESL Program Models

Program
Name
Two-way
developmental
bilingual
(Two-way
Immersion or
Dual
Language)
Developmenta
l Bilingual
(Maintenance
or Heritage
Language)

Duration
K-6

Language of
Instruction
L1 & L2

Setting

Comp/
Enrichment
Enrichment

Language
Minority and
Language
Majority

Self-contained
classroom

L1 & L2

Language
Minority

Self-contained
classroom

Enrichment

(K-8 or K-12
would be even
better)
K-6

Participants

(K-8 or K-12
would be even
better)

Staffing
Bilingual
teacher Or
Team teach
(Eng. Dominant
teacher &
Bilingual
teacher)
Bilingual
teacher
Or Team teach
(Eng. Dominant
teacher &
Bilingual
teacher)
L2 teacher
L1 teacher

Linguistic
Outcome
Bilingualism
Biliteracy
Multiculturalism

Bilingualism
Biliteracy

Immersion

K-8

L2 (L1 gradually)

Language
Majority

Self-contained
classroom

Enrichment

Transitional
Bilingual

3 years
test out or
continued
support if
necessary
Any grade
level as long
as needed,
test out
According to
need, test out

Begin with L1,

transition to L2
(English) as
quickly as
possible
L2 (maybe some
L1)

Language
minority
(same
language)

Pull-out or
Self-contained
classroom

Compensatory

Bilingual/ESL
teacher

Language
minority

Pull-out or
Self-contained
classroom

Compensatory

Monolingual L2

L2

Resource
room

Compensatory

K-12

L2

Language
minority
(different
languages)
Language
minority

ESL teacher
Mainstream,
content area
teacher
ESL teacher
Mainstream

Mainstream
classroom

Compensatory

Mainstream
teacher

Monolingual L2

Sheltered
English
ESL Pull-out

English
Submersion

Higher cognitive
abilities
Biliteracy
Monolingual L2

Monolingual L2

BENEFITS OF USING STUDENTS NATIVE LANGUAGE

IN MULTICULTURAL SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS
The use of the native language:

Provides students access to academic content.

Allows students to have meaningful social interactions with their peers and adults.

Provides access to the students prior knowledge and experiences and connects
their prior knowledge to current lessons.

Promotes (rather than detracts from) second language development.

Promotes self-esteem and identity and confirms to students that their home
language and culture have value.

Allows students openness to learning by reducing language and culture shock.

Helps students develop their first language communication skills.

References: Auerbach, E. R. (1993). Reexamining English only in the ESL classroom.

TESOL
Quarterly, 27, 9-32.
Lucas, T., Katz, A., (1993). Reframing the Debate: The roles of native languages in
Englishonly programs for language minority students. TESOL Quarterly, 28, 537-561.
Suzanne Wagner
1995

Role of Parents When They Dont Speak English

Foster literacy development by reading books and telling stories to children in home
language.

Work with their children with home writing materials stored in one accessible
location.

Draw pictures, write stories, and make lists with their children.

Write letters to grandparents and other family members still in native country.

Provide print-rich environment in home language and English as much as possible.

Provide experiences of reading and writing for different purposes.

Talk with their children about work, values, religion, and daily activities.

Make learning experiences out of every day activities (sorting mail, sorting socks,
shopping with lists, etc.)

Widen their childrens world through learning experiences in the community

(touching animals at the childrens zoo, crunching leaves, taking the bus, etc.)

Take their children to community events and activities designed for families.

Ask their children to tell them what they are learning in the classroom.

Suzanne Wagner
1998
MY GRANDPARENTS MADE IT; WHATS WRONG WITH YOU?
(FACTS ABOUT U.S. IMMIGRANTS AND EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS)

In 1908, in New York City, only 13% of children whose parents were foreign-born
went on to high school.
Only 32% of white children whose parents were native-born went on to high school.

Of those who had started high school in New York, 0% of Italian-Americans and
0.1% of Irish-Americans received a diploma in 1911.

Only 20% of the adult population (both immigrant and native-born) had completed
high school.

10

6/30/99

11

Stages of Language Acquisition - Sample Teaching Strategies at Each Stage of

Language Development
Note: The Stages of Language Proficiency were copied from an online tutorial English Language
Learners: ELLs in the Mainstream, Part Two The Theory of Second Language Acquisition
http://www.njpep.org/tutorials/ell_mainstream/part_two/acquisition.html
NJPEP: Virtual Academy, NJ Department of Education, 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625-0500

Stage I: Preproduction
Definition: Students at this stage tend to be non-verbal. Most of what is spoken in
English is completely incomprehensible. Students will exhibit some level of frustration,
anxiety, and withdrawal, characterized as culture shock. Students will focus intensively
on listening and viewing what is happening in the classroom. They will copy from the
board and repeat what they hear with little or no comprehension at first. Please note:
Students may exhibit inattentiveness at times. However, it should be noted that the
language overload of second language learning can be exhausting. Suggestions for the
classroom are:

Use of visuals, real objects, manipulatives.

Response through physical movement or manipulation of objects.

Allow students to listen, observe. Do not force students to speak. Provide many
listening opportunities.

Group students with more advanced ELLs or cooperative mainstream peers for
group activities.

Provide reading materials with simplified text and numerous pictures.

Stage II: Early Production

Definition: Students will begin to repeat language commonly used in social
conversation and will be able to use routine expressions. They will make statements
and ask questions with isolated words or simple phrases. They will decode according to
the phonetic rules of first language. Students can identify people, places, and objects
and can participate in class activities by relating information to this type of information.
Students may continue to exhibit inattentiveness at times, but not to the frequency and
intensity noted for students at Stage One. Suggestions for the classroom are:

Use simplified, abbreviated text materials, focusing on the main idea[s].

Continue to provide listening activities with visual support.

Begin writing activities, such as dialogue journals for reflection and response to
learning materials.

Ask yes/no questions, or questions requiring a 1-3 word response.

Response to assessments can take the form of actions, manipulation of materials

and/or simplified response.

Introduction of predictable books with limited words, more pictures and/or

graphics for primary age ELLs.

Introduction of structured retelling activities, with the use of physical responses,

visuals, manipulatives for primary age ELLs.

Stage III: Speech Emergence

Definition: Students will exhibit increased proficiency in decoding and comprehending
second language words and text. Students will begin, with or without phonics
instruction, to decode according to second language rules and from expanded
experiences with oral interactions and text. Students will demonstrate an increased
understanding of conversations, dialogues, simple stories containing a few details and
factual or simple procedural information from content area texts. Teachers will note that
written expression will include an expanding vocabulary and the emergence of a writing
style. Students can edit writing with guidance [e.g. checklists, peer editors, teacher
assistance] and will be able to self-evaluate writing. Suggestions for the classroom are:

Develop activities with content and context embedded practice in all four skill
areas.

Ask open-ended questions, but provide models for response orally or through
word banks.

Shared or partnered reading and writing activities.

Expanded use of predictable books containing more text, with primary-age ELLs.

Use of content area picture books, with expanded text [fiction and non-fiction] to
support learning of content [e.g. science and social studies, such as Adler, David
A. A picture book of Sacagawea; illustrated by Dan Brown. New York: Holiday
House, 2000. ISBN 082341485X. A biography of the Shoshone woman who
joined the Lewis and Clark expedition. See Resources for a short list of other
suggested content area picture books.

Expanded writing opportunities in a variety of genresdescriptive, narrative,

instructive, etc.

Introduce learning strategies instruction examples. [See CALLA in Part Four.]

Stage IV: Intermediate Fluency

Definition: There is a marked increase in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
comprehension and accuracy of response. Students will demonstrate an increased use
of strategies for word attack and comprehension of content reading materials. In
addition, the student can read and understand a wider variety of genres in literature.
He/she can summarize, make simple inferences, and can use language to express and
defend opinions. First language background knowledge and strategies become a

13

resource for the student. Overall, the student, at this stage, can perform well in the
classroom, but teachers will need to provide structure, strategies, and guidance.
Suggestions for the classroom are:

Provide guided instruction in the use of reference/research materials for middlehigh school ELLs.

Expand learning strategies instruction.

Provide practice in making inferences from content reading.

Model appropriate language for expressing abstract concepts from content

learning by providing students with response stems . (See examples on the site.)

Move toward expanded text reading to include supporting details and extended
reading activities.

Expand writing repertoire to include various types of letters, newspaper

journalism, and creative writing experiences.

Can begin to work in collaborative groups for content activities.

Stage V: Advanced Fluency

Definition: At this stage of development, the student performs almost like a native
speaker. He/she can produce language that is highly accurate, incorporating more
complex vocabulary and grammatical structure in his/her communicative discourse. The
students reading interests broaden and he/she can read independently for information
and/or pleasure. His/her writing skills are at a near native English level. The student
continues to use his/her native language as a source to enhance comprehension of
English. Although most English Language Learners are exited at this level of
performance, students may still need a lifeline for clarification of new concepts and/or
vocabulary. Suggestions for the classroom are:

Continue to build concepts through advanced content area reading.

Continue to expand on learning strategies instruction.

Continue to provide enriched writing activities.

Help to build an expressive vocabulary to match the strength of the receptive

vocabulary development.

Work in collaborative groups for content activities.

14

CONTENT INSTRUCTION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

(Known as Sheltered Instruction and Content-based ESL)
1.

Target the big ideas of the content.

Identify main principles, achievable objectives, and key vocabulary.
Align instructional activities to objectives and district and state learning standards.
Locate appropriate materials.

2.

Access and build upon students prior knowledge.

Connect students knowledge and experiences to new lesson.
Get everyone on the same page.
Ask appropriate questions to facilitate student interaction about their prior knowledge
and experiences.
Use the native language as a tool.

3.

Make sure that the new information is comprehensible.

Speak clearly without using the slang or idioms
Model language just above the language competence of the learners.
Retell, clarify, and give examples.
Use visuals, manipulatives, gestures, and hands-on experiences, modeling, and
demonstrations.
Move from the concrete to the abstract.
Revisit and review previously taught lessons and vocabulary.

4.

Use a variety of literacy and vocabulary activities.

Teach vocabulary before, during, and after reading

Develop comprehension strategies before, during, and after reading.

Improve students reading fluency through a variety of approaches

Respond to readings through meaningful writing activities.

5.

Organize purposeful interactions.

Utilize peers to facilitate learning and sharing ways of thinking.
Implement paired and buddy reading activities.
Teach through cooperative learning activities.
Encourage native language support from peers and adults.

6.

Use fair and appropriate assessment strategies.

Encourage students to creatively use the English language they know.
Be easy on the red pen with emergent English writers, focusing on message rather than
form.
Use a variety of assessment strategies tied to instructional strategies.
Use rubrics to compare student performance to objectives and benchmarks.

7.

Provide instruction in a low-risk environment.

15

S. Wagner, Illinois Resource Center, 1999 References: Collier, 95: Cummins, 94: Peregoy and Boyle, 97:
Richard-Amato, 96: Snow, 92

AN OVERVIEW OF TEACHING STRATEGIES

FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Second language learners learn their second language from anyone who provides them
with an opportunity to develop proficiency in the new language. So whether youre an
English-as-a second-language (ESL) teacher, a science teacher, or a reading specialist,
you can help those students become proficient in English.
NATURAL APPROACH
As the name implies, the Natural Approach (Krashen and Terrell 1981) focuses on
developing language skills in a natural context. Students acquire language through
interaction in authentic and meaningful learning experiences. Teachers provide input in
the target language that students can understand (comprehensible input) and add new
learning to that base. The principles behind the Natural Approach are:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Comprehension precedes production.

Production emerges in stages.
A syllabus based on communicative goals is more effective.
The students anxiety level must be low in order for learning to happen.

The following are some of the strategies that are practiced within the Natural Approach:
Total Physical Response (TPR)
TPR, developed by James Asher (1982), was designed primarily for students in
the early stages of language acquisition. Since commands can be made
comprehensible to students with very limited langauge, Asher used commands as the
basis for TPR. The teacher gives a command, demonstrates the command, and then
students respond physically to the command. Because students are actively involved
and not expected to repeat the command, anxiety is low, and student focus is on
comprehension rather than production. Hence, they demonstrate comprehension
before their speaking skills emerge. The imperatives, such as Bring me the book or
Pass your paper to the right, bring the language alive by making it comprehensible
and fun. TPR is a well-known beginning ESL method, but TPR-based activities can be
adapted to almost any level and incorporated into mainstream or multi-level classes,
particularly in areas where visible directions can be given. TPR also provides a base for
literacy development in the second language as students learn to read the commands
they followed.
Language Experience Approach (LEA)
The LEA is an effective method to help promote literacy development. Students
recount stories based on their own interests and activities, such as a trip, a movie, a
story, or a project in which they all participated, and the teacher writes their words.
These student-produced stories are then used for reading material and language
development. Application of LEA can be used with many different activities and
proficiency levels.
16

Literature-Based Approach
In a literature-based approach, stories and literature are used as the base and
context for language learning. This is a valuable means of developing oral language
and literacy skills. Pattern books are especially beneficial for younger learners because
of rhyme, rhythm, repetition, easily identifiable situations, predictability, high frequency
vocabulary, and a strong correlation between the printed text and the use of visuals.
Authentic quality materials should be chosen, with a heavy inclusion of multicultural
books. Some childrens literature, such as historical fiction or stories related to social
problems can also be used very effectively with older learners.
Use of Graphic Organizers
The use of semantic webs and graphic organizers is a very helpful way for
students to simplify the reading and writing process. Besides helping students to plan
and organize material, they can also promote insight into cultural variations. As they are
used to elicit students thoughts and background knowledge, they also help t promote
higher-level thinking. Some common examples of graphic organizers are Venn
Diagrams, web diagrams, and story maps.
Use of Cooperative Structures
In cooperative structures, students work together in small groups, dependent on
each other to reach goals. These activities are very effective with ESL students
because they allow for interaction in a non-threatening situation. Students participate
and contribute to the group according to their proficiency levels. Some exampoles that
work well in mainstream content-area classes are Numbered-Heads-Together, ThinkPair-Share, and Jigsaw.
CONTENT-BASED APPROACH
According to the most recent research, one of the most effective methods of ESL
instruction is the content-based approach, where language instruction is integrated with
the content areas. Rather than developing an ESL program that is focused on the
language needed for social interactions or the structure of language, this method
incorporates language into the context of academic content. The core curriculum is the
basis for teaching language. Instructors focus on the key principles and concepts and
use visuals, hands-on activities, simpler language, adapted readings, graphic
organizers, and so forth to help make the most important academic content
comprehensible. Thus, language skills develop as children work on math, social
studies, science or language arts at their appropriate age and grade levels.
The examples given in this article are recommended because they work with English
language learners. These methods include learning situations that provide for the
following critical factors:

Comprehensible input
Low anxiety for the students
Many opportunities for interaction and language use

17

Meaningful communication and natural language

Language-learning situations that are fun and motivational
Development of higher-order thinking skills

In summary, there is not a single correct method to follow in second language

instruction. However, when planning lessons and choosing activities, teachers should
ensure that the strategies used incorporate the elements most needed by students. It is
always important to keep abreast of theoretical concepts and current research in order
to develop a personal philosophy and teaching style. Teachers should then vary
activities and select strategies according to students needs and goals.
References:
Asher, J. (1982). Learning another language through action: the complete teachers
Guidebook. Los Batos, CA: Sky Oaks.
Krashen, S. & Terrell, T. (1983). The natural approach: language acquisition in the
classroom. Engliwood Cliffs, N.T.: Alemany/Prentice Hall.
Beverly Ben-David, 2000. Illinois Resource Center (847)803-3112
SUGGESTED FOLLOW-UP
For resources, related in-district support options, workshops and courses, visit
www.thecenterweb.org and select the Illinois Resource Center or call (847) 577-2748.
The Illinois Resource Center is funded to serve linguistically and culturally diverse
learners in Illinois. There is no charge for public schools in Illinois outside of Chicago.
Workshops and courses are open to all interested teachers.
Select Illinois Resource Center (IRC)
Select resources and scroll to recommended materials if seeking materials
Select Ekits for other support resources prepared by the IRC
Select professional links in the sidebar for multiple links and resources
For a copy of the English Language Proficiency Standards for English Language
Learners in Kindergarten through Grade 12 that apply to Illinois go to the online
resource at
http://www.isbe.net/bilingual/pdfs/elps_framework.pdf
For a four-part tutorial related to serving ELLs in the Mainstream see the online
resource developed by the New Jersey Department of Education: New Jersey
Professional Education Port
English Language Learners: ELLs in the Mainstream at the following site.
http://www.njpep.org/tutorials/ell_mainstream/intro.html
Part Two The Theory of Second Language Acquisition is the most applicable to
the content of this workshop.

18