English Language Learner Program
At Mokapu Elementary, students who do not know English or who need to improve their English to understand their school work are enrolled in the English Language Learners (ELL) Program.
At Mokapu Elementary, students who are identified as understanding or speaking another language besides English are enrolled in the English Language Learners (ELL) Program.
At Mokapu, the ELL Program focuses on Content Area Tutoring, where assistance is provided in core subject areas (reading, math, social studies, & science) to help each ELL student better understand and complete grade level curriculum. Individual lessons in speaking, listening, reading and writing are provided for ELL students that are in the process of becoming fluent English speakers.
Registration
Registering your child for ELL services includes the following steps:
Registration Packet: Families are given a packet of information about our schools and programs. There are a number of forms that the school needs you to complete and return to provide emergency contact and other essential information about your student. Forms are available in multiple languages and translators are available to help you complete them.
Home Language Survey: Parents fill out a form that tells what languages are currently spoken at home and what language the child first spoke.
Placement Test: Students are given a placement test to determine their English language skill level and to see if they qualify for ELL services.
Family Interview: Families are asked to tell the registration staff how the student received an education before coming to Federal Way , including academic background and prior knowledge/experiences.
Community Resources: School staff members provide information about resources for families of our ELL students within the school district and in the community.
ELL Family Involvement
ELL families are encouraged to be involved in their child's education. Research shows that academic achievement improves significantly when parents are involved in school and at home. Parents are encouraged to come to school throughout the year to: (1) meet and ask questions of their child's teachers, (2) talk with their students about what they learn, and (3) share about their culture in classrooms and during school events. The staff will give parents ideas for helping their students at home and will connect parents with school and community resources.
