A struggle to those who want to learn English arose as they move to areas where English is needed, but with the development of ELL, it has made English speaking possible to all. ELL, meaning “English Language Learners”, is a program designed to help those who are learning English or who aren’t as efficient in speaking English as those who are native English speakers. Those in ELL receive special help and instructions to help improve their ability to speak English fluently. ELL is growing in the district today, as there are many improvements, updates, and more students joining the program.

Currently, there is a total of 170 students in ELL. To qualify, there are different options, including a Home Language Survey and KELPA. Newton has a variety of language speakers, including Spanish, Ukrainian, and Filipino. The ELL rubric levels start with a beginner level one and two, an intermediate level three, and a monitor level four. This program tracks and monitors students’ progress in the four domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

ELL is continuously growing as they make improvements, like looking into field trips and ordering food, to look for ways to have real-life experiences and get around the language. With these improvements, Newcomers’ English speaking ability has increased three times over the past three years. At NHS, they have four new classes and newcomer classes at Slate Creek, Sante Fe, and Chisolm. They are celebrating the ESOL Endorsement, a total of seven USD 373 teachers helped build this program, and it was a huge accomplishment and boost for the ELL development. As this new program has developed over the years, it’s given an opportunity and new challenges to SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) who want to learn English, who weren’t able to before. Now everyone has the opportunity to get help and a lead in learning English, with the amazing development of ELL.