Term | Definition |
L1 | Home, first, native language, mother tongue |
L2 | second language |
ELL | English language learner |
ESOL | English for Speakers of Other Languages |
Emergent bilingual | A student who enters school speaking a language other than English and is developing proficiency in English |
HLS | Home language survey |
LEP | Limited English Proficiency |
TBE | Transitional bilingual education |
TPI | Transitional program of instruction: In Illinois: a program that incorporates ESL and possible some support in students’ L1 |
FLEP | Formerly Limited English Proficient |
Dual language immersion | A form of bilingual program that is designed to teach both English speakers and speakers of other languages content and language in a target language |
Early exit TBE | Form of transitional bilingual program that provides native language instruction for three years or less |
Late exit TBE or developmental bilingual education | Form of transitional bilingual program that provides native language instruction and support through fifth grade and possibly beyond |
Additive | Bilingual education programs that are designed to add English to children's existing linguistic knowledge by providing instruction throughout elementary program in the child’s L1 |
Subtractive | Bilingual programs that are designed with the goal of transitioning students from their home language to English as quickly as possible. |
Structured immersion | A term used to describe a type of program designed for English learners where all instruction is provided in English for a specified length of time (i.e. one year). |
Sheltered instruction | A form of instruction designed to make the English language more comprehensible to students learning English while learning in English. Sheltered instruction includes the use of visuals, graphic organizers, pacing of lessons among other techniques |
Re-designation or reclassification | Students who have developed a level English language proficiency that would enable them to be successful in an all English classroom without support. |
Bilingual Education | An educational program that provides instruction in students’ home language and English. The amount of instruction in L1 and L2 are dependent on the program model. |
Restrictive language policy | Educational programs where instruction is provided only in the dominant language and no support is provided for students who are learning the dominant language in school |
Heritage language | Language of home, community, or ancestors. May be used in a program designed to prevent language loss or in community based programs to support language maintenance |
English language proficiency | Level or degree of knowledge of English as determined by a language proficiency test. May or may not refer to language knowledge across the domains of reading, writing, speaking and listening |