Many Hoover students are learning English as a second, third, or fourth language. What does it mean to be an English learner? To understand more, let’s examine the experiences of students and teachers.
An English learner is anyone in the process of learning English. However, the official “EL” designation means that parents wrote a language other than English as “home language” when they enrolled.
Those students will automatically be given a test to assess their English level. The result of this test determines every student’s placement in grade-level English (“regular”) or ELD (English Language Development). New students whose home language is English do not take any placement test. They receive the English Only (EO) designation. Students who do not speak English at home but who pass the entrance tests are designated IFEP (Initial Fluent English Proficient).
For many English learners, the biggest challenge is understanding new vocabulary and speaking with others who are fluent. Some students feel shy or nervous about speaking because they worry about making mistakes. Ellen Hunanyan (27′) says, “One thing that helped my English was staying focused in classes and listening to the teachers talk.”
When does an EL student become fluent? Well, becoming fluent in English is different for each student. Some may take only a few months, while others need years of practice. It depends on how often they use English and how much support they get at home and school. Elina Yeghiazaryan (28′) added “For me, coming to this country at a young age made it easier to learn English”
English learners come from all over the world. At Hoover High, we have students who speak Armenian, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Arabic, and many other languages. Each student brings their own story and experience to the school. Students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program come from many places. Some, like me, moved to the U.S. from Armenia, while others may have lived here their whole lives but speak a different language at home. No matter where we come from, we all share the experience of learning a new language.
It is really important to support English learners because everyone deserves a chance to succeed. Schools like Hoover High provide resources like ESL classes, tutoring, and after-school programs to help these students. When students feel supported, they are more likely to succeed and feel confident in their abilities, and you never know how they were in their school, maybe they were one of the best students there.
“You should always put yourself in their shoes” – (Ms. Javidan)
How would I be in another country at a school I’ve never been to?
At Hoover, there’s a strong community of teachers, staff, and students who support each other. This makes a huge difference in helping English learners succeed. Ms. Kakosian, ELD teacher, stated “Please pay attention in class because you need English if you are going to live in the U.S., You might regret it later if you don’t! This is a great opportunity for you to improve your English language skills.”
Being an English learner can be difficult, but it’s also a growth journey. With the right support, students can become fluent and successful in school. At Hoover High, English learners are not just students; they are a vital part of our community. Understanding the challenges and celebrating the progress can make our school a better place for everyone. For many, the journey of learning English has been challenging, but also rewarding. I am proud of what they have accomplished so far, and I know that with each day, they are getting closer to becoming more fluent.
