ESL Glossary by Alyssah Scott-Padmore

Silent Period

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A stage when English learners listen and absorb language before speaking much.

Comprehensible Input

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Language input that is understandable but slightly above a learner’s current proficiency level.

Affective Filter Hypothesis

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The theory is that emotional factors (like anxiety and motivation) affect language learning.

Code-Switching

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Alternating between two languages in conversation.

BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills)

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Everyday social language skills, typically learned in 1-2 years.

Scaffolding

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Support given to students to help them progress in learning, gradually reducing assistance as they gain independence.

Sheltered Instruction

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A teaching approach that makes content accessible to English learners while supporting language development.

Cognates

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Words in two languages that look and mean the same (e.g., "information" in English and "información" in Spanish).

Total Physical Response (TPR)

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A language teaching method that involves physical movement to reinforce learning

Dual Coding Theory

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A learning theory stating that using both verbal and visual information enhances understanding.

Dual Language Program

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A bilingual education model where students learn in two languages.

Transitional Bilingual Education

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A program that uses a student’s native language initially and then transitions to English.

ESL Pull-Out

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A model where English learners are taken out of their regular classroom for specialized English instruction.

Newcomer Program

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A specialized program designed for recent immigrant students to support English acquisition.

Two-Way Immersion

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A dual language program where native English speakers and English learners learn together in both languages.

TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System)

afspadmore28 — 2025-03-23 16:35:27 UTC

A Texas assessment that measures the English proficiency of ELLs.

LPAC (Language Proficiency Assessment Committee)

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A school-based team that monitors and supports ELL students.

ACCESS for ELLs

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A national assessment that evaluates English language proficiency.

Home Language Survey

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A form used to determine a student's primary language for ESL program eligibility.

Formative Assessment

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Ongoing evaluations that help teachers adjust instruction to meet student needs.

Lau v. Nichols (1974)

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A landmark Supreme Court case requiring schools to provide language support for ELLs.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

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A federal law ensuring equal education opportunities for all students, including ELLs.

Title III Funding

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Federal funding that supports English learners and immigrant students.

Castañeda v. Pickard (1981)

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A court case that established criteria for evaluating bilingual education programs.

Bilingual Education Act (1968)

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The first federal law recognizing the needs of English learners.