STEP Initial Assessment*
STEP Steps to English Proficiency (Updated Nov 2015).pdf
Language
Initial Language Assessment – User Guide
Mathematics
* Access to the full initial assessment materials are only available to school boards through a ministry-provided password. If EduGains is still online and you have the password, it is available within the STEP Initial Language/Mathematics Assessment section.
STEP Ongoing Assessment
English as a Second Language Observable Language Continua
The Orientation to School Life in Ontario
Video Series - Supporting English Language Learners
Grades 1- 8 Video and Print Resources
An example of teaching practices that can be put to immediate use in the classroom and in the school. It also shares practices for schools welcoming newcomers, and working effectively with community partners and families.
Videos and video viewing guides, originally posted on EduGains, are linked below. They are also available as a showcase on the ministry's Vimeo account.
Supporting English Language Learners Grades 1- 8
Segment 1: Understanding English Language Learners
Who are ELLs? What are their challenges? What can schools do to support their learning? (Video)
Who are English language learners? (PDF)
Everyone is a language teacher (PDF)
Segment 2: Building a Whole School Approach
How can schools build a whole school approach to welcome and support ELLs? What can schools do to engage students and parents in the school community? (Video)
Building a Whole School Approach (PDF)
Segment 3: Closing the Learning Gap
Which learning strategies benefit not just ELLs but all students? What are the advantages of co-teaching and small group instruction? (Video)
Adapting Assignments to Support ELLs (PDF)
Segment 4: Learning Through the Curriculum
How can teachers make the most of a student's first language skills in classroom experiences? Which instructional supports help ELLs acquire English while meeting the demands of the curriculum? (Video)
A Personal Plan of Action (PDF)
Segment 5: Talking about Language Acquisition and Learning
Why is early exposure to reading and storytelling so important for ELLs? What are the benefits of direct teaching of word knowledge and how language works? Listen to experts Elizabeth Coelho and Jim Cummins discuss the role of first language(s) and the concept of "universal design." (Video)
Segment 6: Finding Starting Points to Enable Learning
How do initial assessment practices impact learning? How do you establish an effective learning environment not only for ELLs, but for all students. Why are multiple opportunities to talk and process thinking so important for ELLs? (Video)
Analyzing Instructional Strategies (PDF)
Segment 7: Adapting the Classroom Program for ELLs
What modifications and accommodations allow ELL students, even at beginning levels of English proficiency, to participate successfully in the classroom and acquire understanding in content areas? (Video)
The Gradual Release of Responsibility (PDF)
Segment 8: Differentiating Instruction for ELLs
How is differentiated instruction beneficial for ELLs? What instructional strategies are especially powerful?(Video)
Learning Content and the English (PDF)
Differentiating Instruction for English Language Learners (PDF)
Conferencing with English Language Learners – An Anchor Chart (PDF)
Segment 9: Aligning the Work
Why does the whole school community need to support ELLs? Listen to system leaders discuss alignment (school/district/province) to support ELLs in Ontario schools. (Video)
The Strengths and Challenges of Different Support Models (PDF)