English Learners
ECS English Learner Program
Elkhart's English Learner (EL) Program serves as an advocate for all language minority students. We are committed to fostering the acquisition of the English language skills necessary for full transition into a regular academic program and participation in the total school community. We are dedicated to providing programs, practices, and services which reflect the changing educational and cultural needs of our students.
Elkhart Community Schools values ALL students and families.
- What is the goal for English Learners?
- English Learners acquire English and academic skills within content-area classes ultimately leading to graduation and success while maintaining their first language and recognizing the value of multiple cultures.
- What is the Identification and Instructional Process for English Learners?
- Complete registration with the district
- Home Language Survey
- WIDA screener
- Scores: Parent/Guardian notification of result & Individual Learning Plan (ILP) are created
- WIDA ACCESS annual testing
- Monitored for two years after reaching English Proficiency Level 5.
Detailed EL Identification and Instructional Process
![1 - Registration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680102913/elkhartk12inus/nzwfqzmfdkoc6zjznvav/1_Registration.png","width":250}])
![2. Home Language]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680102913/elkhartk12inus/dbq5ibcxd6mdohhvkn5y/2_Home_Language.png","width":250}])
![3. WIDA Screener]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680102913/elkhartk12inus/sxcuujx8lxk30aytl7e6/3_WIDA_Screener.png","width":250}])
![4. Score]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680102913/elkhartk12inus/n9oj1jrquw45wfpfnhqc/4_Score.png","width":250}])
![5. EL Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680102913/elkhartk12inus/u8dplrz2gxjvuouawlk0/5_EL_Program.png","width":250}])
![6. Score 5.0]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680102913/elkhartk12inus/atlamfjkbka9xdeykkbw/6_Score.png","width":250}])
In Elkhart...
In the Classroom...
Contact
Rhiannon Harrison,
Director of English Learners
574-262-5761 rharrison@elkhart.k12.in.us
Rhiannon Harrison was raised in Elkhart and graduated from Elkhart Central High School. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education & TESOL and a Master's in Educational Administration. She taught ESL (English as a Second Language) at her alma mater, Elkhart Central, for 12 years before beginning her career in administration. She was Academic Dean at Riverview Elementary School and Assistant Principal at Elkhart Central High School. Then, she became a District EL Coach. Currently, she serves our community as the Director of English Learners. She has dedicated her career to serving English Learners and their families because she feels that supporting ALL learners strengthens our community. Rhiannon is married to Dr. Jason Harrison who is an independent consultant, and they have three children: Mariella, Ellie, and Micah.
Anaruth Palacios,
Bilingual Secretary to the Director of English Learners
574-262-5772 apalacios@elkhart.k12.in.us
Laura Ebbens,
District EL Coach
574-262-5766
lmebbens@elkhart.k12.in.us