English Language Learners

Is your home language(s) different from English used in Ontario schools? Is your child learning English as an additional language? We support multilingual language learners (MLL) to help them learn English and do well in school.

How are Multilingual Language Learners supported in school?

There are two programs that support Multilingual Language Learners:

English as a Second Language (ESL) for students with age-appropriate literacy skills in their home language(s).
English Literacy Development (ELD) for students who have significant gaps in formal education along with their English language learning needs.

Students typically develop social language skills in English quickly. However, academic language development can take more than seven years. As a result, students will receive supports in their learning for many years.

Students who are Multilingual Language Learners should receive ESL/ELD program support until they have the level of English required to learn effectively in English with no language learning accommodations. The decision to stop ESL/ELD support is made by the principal, in consultation with the student, parents/guardians, and ESL/ELD teacher, MLL Support Teachers and classroom teachers.

Elementary School

All teachers support the English language learning of a student, as well as their subject learning, in the classroom.

Classroom teachers provide necessary accommodations or modify curriculum expectations to support students. Students may also receive the following additional supports:

Support from an MLL Support Teacher or ELD Itinerant Teacher within the subject/homeroom classroom
English language and literacy instruction specific to a student’s English language learning needs may also be provided by an ESL/ELD teacher in the form of small group tutorials for short periods of time.

In elementary school, a student’s English language level will not change what grade they are placed in.

Secondary School

All teachers support the English language learning of a student, as well as their subject learning. Classroom/subject teachers provide accommodations to support students.

Additional supports may include:

ESL courses
ELD courses
Collaboration of MLL Support Teacher within the classroom

Students should speak with their teachers/guidance counsellors about course selection and pathways to meet their post-secondary and career goals.

ESL and ELD courses count towards graduation requirements as English or elective credits. All students must complete a compulsory English course in Grade 12.

How do I know if my child is a Multilingual Language Learner?

If your child’s home language(s) is different from the English used in Ontario schools (i.e., if they are learning English as an additional language), they are considered a Multilingual Language Learner in YRDSB.

There are different ways to determine if your child is a Multilingual Language Learner either through the YRDSB Reception Centre, International Education or through your child’s school. Schools use the Ministry of Education Steps to English Proficiency (STEP) resource as well as ESL/ELD courses (Secondary) and MLLNet to document and monitor students’ English language acquisition.

Supporting your Child’s Learning

There are many ways parents can support their child’s learning and get engaged in their education.

A resource that helps to support your child’s teacher(s) plan and monitor English language learning is STEP (Steps to English Proficiency). Ask your child’s teacher about their English language learning (STEP) and the help they are receiving. Another way you may support your child’s learning is to share information about your child’s experiences within and outside of school, including interests, strengths and goals.

Questions parents may want to ask the principal or teacher:

What is my child’s English language level and how is it assessed?
How is their English learning being monitored?
How are you supporting their English language learning and academic success?

Adult Learning

The Board also offers Adult ESL Courses through Continuing Education as well as LINC courses through Uplands Community Learning Centre.

Where can I learn more?

Ontario Ministry of Education resources provide more information about English Language Learner Programs and Services, the Ontario curriculum and Ontario’s education system.
Find out how the YRDSB Reception Centre helps families and students register for school and to become part of their school community.

English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)