Multilingual language learners (MLLs) are students in provincially funded English language schools whose first language is a language other than English, or is a variety of English that is significantly different from the variety used for instruction in Ontario’s schools, and who may require focused educational supports to assist them in attaining proficiency in English.
These students may be Canadian born or recently arrived from other countries. They come from diverse backgrounds and school experiences, and have a wide variety of strengths and needs.
Elementary
English language support is available to all MLLs in the Board, either through direct itinerant support with a qualified MLL teacher, or indirect support from the MLL teacher via the classroom teacher.
An initial assessment is completed by the MLL teacher using the Ministry STEP assessment tool and results are shared with the classroom teacher for planning and assessment purposes. MLLs are integrated into the regular classroom, exposed to the English language daily, but also with encouragement to share their first Language. These students learn the English language at the same time as they are learning and achieving Ontario curriculum expectations. The approach maximizes exposure to survival English skills and to the pre-teaching and teaching of subject specific language and vocabulary.
Parents should contact the school principal when registering, and the connection will be made to the ESL teachers.
Secondary
A full-time, full-year MLL program is available to secondary students who need to finish their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Depending on the level of each student, appropriate language classes, sheltered curriculum classes and regular classes are built into customized timetables. Sheltered classes can include: civics and career studies, science, business computers, geography and history, and math. Credits in physical education, visual art or music (performance and/ or vocal), communication technology or other computer courses, technical studies and peer tutoring are suggested to enhance English skills and to encourage a well-rounded education.
The program promotes integration into the regular high school setting as quickly as each individual student can handle the transition. Co-op opportunities are available to help students acquire marketable skills and learn about future careers through on-the–job training with community employers.
Secondary schools offering MLL programming:
Kindergarten Registration
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