English language learners

Overview

The English Learner program is for students whose primary language is a language other than English and have scored Emerging or Progressing on the state English Language Proficiency Assessment. All students whose primary language is one other than English are tested on their proficiency in English to determine eligibility for services in the ELL program. The VPS ELL program serves over 3000 students who speak nearly 100 different languages.

Services

A variety of EL services are provided at students’ neighborhood schools. District-wide interpretation and translation services support parent involvement in schools. Eleven district interpreters/translators—eight Spanish speaker, two Russian/Ukrainian speakers and one Chuukese speaker—are available to assist families with school-related issues.

Students in class at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School.Elementary

Our elementary literacy curriculum incorporates Common Core State Standards for English language arts, the state English Language Proficiency Standards and research-based strategies for academic oral language. The goal is to build skills in the areas of English academic vocabulary, reading comprehension and writing. Through explicitly scaffolded lessons, instructors teach specific content and language objectives, providing ELs with the fundamental academic skills they need to support their English literacy development and build a base for classroom instruction in all content areas.

Secondary

Students at Fort Vancouver High SchoolSecondary EL services are provided at all schools through the sheltered or supportive mainstream instruction model, which integrates English language and grade-level content instruction specific to meeting the English language proficiency needs of our secondary students. McLoughlin Middle School and Fort Vancouver High School also offer programs that include intensive English language development for newcomers and recent arrivals. Some secondary schools offer academic language development classes for long-term English learners.

Contact

Special services
360-313-1250

Meet our interpreters

Ruth Alvarez

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-518-8173

Harney, Ogden, Roosevelt, VECC, iTech, Bates

Yesenia Avila

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-521-6453

Felida, Jim Tangeman Center, Hazel Dell, Sacajawea, Gaiser, Vancouver Home Connection, Vancouver Virtual Learning Academy, Success Academy

Victoria Bernal

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-771-5603

GATE, King, Lake Shore, McLoughlin, Vancouver Flex Academy, SWA

Elisa Iraheta

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-518-8494

Salmon Creek, Walnut Grove, Alki, Jason Lee, Hudson’s Bay

Stephanie Ongtooguk

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-771-5479

Fruit Valley, Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, Fort, VSAA, SWA

Traicy Bernal

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-772-7534

Discovery, Eisenhower, Franklin, Hough, Marshall, Minnehaha, Truman, Open Doors

Maria
Wenick

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-622-1524

Anderson, Chinook, Columbia River, Skyview

Sofia
Avila

Español

Spanish bilingual family liaison

360-719-8161

District office and Bates

Viktoriya Krasovskaya

Русский

Russian/Ukrainian bilingual family liaison

360-936-9574

All schools (execpt Marshall, McLoughlin, Vancouver Virtual Learning Academy, and district office)

Ekaterina Walla

Русский

Russian/Ukrainian bilingual family liaison

360-771-5548

Marshall, McLoughlin, Vancouver Virtual Learning Academy, and district office

Dania Narruhn

Chuukese

Chuukese bilingual family liaison

360-772-7494

All schools

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ELL students
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languages spoken