Students in the Keokuk Middle School English Language Learners (ELL) class created presentations on themselves and their home countries to present to fourth grade students at Hawthorne on May 9.
“This was a perfect opportunity for the ELL students to practice public speaking and to answer questions,” Protraz said. “Also, it helped the fourth grade students learn about cultures in different countries.”
The fourth grade students have recently learned about other regions and traditions in the United States and the World, which meant the presentations fit into the curriculum.
Students in the district’s ELL program have worked on reading, writing and speaking English. All students in this program are in the process of acquiring a proficiency in English and have a first language other than or in addition to English, according to the Iowa Department of Education. Students remain in the program, or remain with an EL status, until they are able to demonstrate a proficiency in English, including are able to:
- Listen, speak, read and write in English
- Be successful in the classroom setting where there is language instruction
- Be able to actively participate in a classroom, school, community and beyond
Since 2023, the number of ELL students in the district have more than doubled from 10 to 23 students. Once students demonstrate a proficiency in English, they successfully move out of the program in the district.
