English Language Learners (ELL)
English Language Learners:
The English Language Learners (ELL) Program at Linn-Mar is designed to help students acquire the English language. We work with students whose first language is not English, or who speak more than one language at home.
The Linn-Mar District has ELL services at all 12 schools. Students are able to attend their neighborhood school and the ELL teachers travel from building to building. The ELL teachers work to help support students in the general education classrooms, along with teaching skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.
At the elementary level and intermediate schools, students spend most of their day in the classroom with their English speaking classmates, with some daily small group instruction time for English language instruction. During small group instruction, students work on the five areas of language: speaking, listening, reading, writing, and comprehension. The elementary and intermediate ELL curriculum is content-based and students work on language acquisition through the areas of science and social studies.
At the middle schools and high school, students spend one period or more a day in ELL class where we use a research-based curriculum and/or a combination of other materials to work on reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehension. Students may also be in a co-taught classroom or a content area classroom with an ELL support teacher. We also work closely with the content teachers to assist students in comprehension and completing assignments.
Our Program:
- K-12 instructional program for English Language Learners
- Assist students to reach full English proficiency
- Small group and individual instruction
- Support students who represent over 25 different languages and cultural backgrounds
Our Teachers:
- Alicia Jessen supports Westfield Elementary
- Megan O’Brien supports Westfield Elementary
- Maddie Zahradnik supports Novak elementary school and Compass/Atlas
- Anna Hass Garcia supports Indian Creek and Linn Grove elementary schools
- Carol Stamp supports Bowman Woods elementary school
- Jessica Becker supports Echo Hill elementary school
- Camille Lindsay supports Wilkins and online students
- Katie Towns supports Hazel Point and Boulder Peak Intermediate Schools
- Brianne Arnold supports Excelsior and Oak Ridge Middle School
- Sarah Kelley supports Linn-Mar High School
What are English Services:
- English language proficiency standards, state of Iowa. http://www.state.ia.us/educate/ecese/is/ell/standards.html
ELPA 21:
The ELPA21 is an online standardized assessment used to measure English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The ELPA21 is used to measure annual progress towards English proficiency. Mandatory training is provided each school year beginning in late fall for tech coordinators, district/school test coordinators, and test administrators. (Educateiowa.gov). This standardized assessment is typically administered during the spring.
Students who may speak a language other than English within the home, may be given the ELPA21 Dynamic Screener. If a student does not score within the proficient range, will be identified for English Language Learner (ELL) services.
Additional ELPA21 Resources from the Iowa Department of Education:
- Learn about the ELP Standards and the assessments at Elpa21.org.
- ELPA21 Resource Center
- Resources for Students and Families.
- Sign up to receive the ELPA21 Insider Newsletter.
- Find answers to questions on the ELPA21 FAQ webpage.
- English Learner Resources
- Schools’ Civil Rights Obligations to English Learner Students and Limited English Proficient Parents
- English Learners webpage
Community Resources:
Shawn Knighton, Family Resource Specialist
- 319-730-3633
- Knighton@linnmar.k12.ia.us
The Linn-Mar Family Resources Specialist is available to answer any questions you may have concerning community support.
Child Care:
Immigrant & Refugee Resources:
Food Resources:
Catherine McAuley Center:
- Provides free language tutoring to adults
- https://cmc-cr.org/
- 1220 Fifth Avenue Southeast, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403
- 319-363-4993
Parent Teacher Conferences:
If you would be more comfortable with an interpreter, please let the school know and one will be provided for your conference.
- Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Typically, Elementary conferences are scheduled electronically with your child’s home room teacher. An email will be sent to you to sign up for a specific time. You will also meet with your child’s ELL teacher.
- 5-6 Grade buildings:
- 7-8 Grade buildings:
- October 20, 25
- March 2, 7
- 9th-12th grade:
- High school conferences are held after school hours, starting after 4 pm. You do not need to schedule a time to speak with a teacher, just go to the high school building and wait for your turn to speak with a specific teacher.
- September 29
- December 1
- February 23
- May 4th
- High school conferences are held after school hours, starting after 4 pm. You do not need to schedule a time to speak with a teacher, just go to the high school building and wait for your turn to speak with a specific teacher.
Free and Reduced Lunch:
- F/R application (English)
- Link to the USDA 49 languages; includes application instructions and the parent letter.
District Data:
2021-2022 School Year
LAU Plan:
2022-2023 Linn-Mar Community School LAU Plan. The Lau (ELL) Plan (Lau v. Nichols, 1974) is a district plan designed to meet the instructional needs of English Learners.