English as a Second Language

Students who are English language learners may require English as a second language (ESL) program planning and instructional supports to achieve grade‑level expectations and reach their full potential. For information on coding and funding for students who are English language learners, refer to the Funding Manual for School Authorities.

Senior high schools with students who are English language learners should refer to the ESL Senior High School Program of Studies, the Supporting English Language Learners web page and the English as a Second Language Alberta Authorized Resource List, Grades 10–12. School authorities may also offer locally developed courses to address the needs of English language learners.

Annual language proficiency assessments and ongoing monitoring and documentation of students’ language proficiency development is required to inform instructional planning and the provision of timely and appropriate learning supports.

A child/student who was born outside of Canada and has entered Canada as a refugee will typically require English as a second language (ESL) or Francisation supports as well as significant additional supports and services to address considerations such as limited or disrupted formal schooling experiences and possible exposure to traumatic events while adjusting to an unfamiliar language and culture.

The Alberta K–12 ESL Proficiency Benchmarks, located on the Supporting English Language Learners web page, have been developed to guide ESL programming and to support teachers in assessing and reporting the progress of English language learners.

For more information, see the English as a Second Language Policy or contact the High School Careers (K–12), Arts & Wellness, Languages and Locally Developed Courses Branch. For contact information, see Appendix 1.