Special Topics
ELLs & Special Education Second Language Acquisition Undocumented Students Migrant Students Refugee Students Adult ESL Citizenship Other
ELLs and Special Education
Click here for more detailed information about ELLs and special education services.
Second Language Acquisition
"Silent Period" : Many ELL students go through a time known as the "silent period" when their receptive language skills are more developed than their productive language skills. Read more about this stage of language learning in this MS Word or a PDF document.
Newcomers : Students who have recently arrived to the U. S. are often referred to as Newcomers. Their language proficiency will vary and they may need help understanding U.S. and school culture. Read more about Newcomers here in this MS Word or PDF document. How does your school rate in in helping Newcomer? Find out AND get tips for improvement here.
Undocumented Students
According to the Plyler vs. Doe ruling, schools cannot ask for legal status or immigration information when enrolling students.
Legal Issues for School Districts Related to the Education of Undocumented Children: A guide jointly published by The National School Boards Association and The National Educaiton Association
California Guide to Helping Undocumented Students(with college and financial aid) *Not all information applies to Michigan
Advising undocumented students on college options (from College Board)
Latest legal actions and news focused upon immigration issues throughout the United States: FAFSA and Undocumented Students Center for Immigration Studies
Resources for those affected by immigration raid
Migrant Students
Children are eligible for services if their families have moved within the last 36 months to obtain temporary or seasonal work in agriculture or fishing. Visit MDE's Migrant Education Program for more information and Migrant Services through DHS for available services.
Refugee Students
Do you need to know more about the culture and background of a refugee student? Visit the Cultural Resources page for links to CAL's Cultural Orientation Resource Center. Also check out BRYCS (Bridging Refugee Youth and Children's Services) for valubale information.
The Illinois State Board of Education offers streaming videos and parent resources to assist with the transition to U.S. schools and culture.
Adult ESL
Do you work with parents or family members who would like to participate in local ESL classes? Click here for a local listing including service agencies, churches, and organizations who regularly offer ESL classes in the Grand Rapids area.
Citizenship
Do you know students or families that are studying for the U.S. Citizenship / Naturalization test? Study questions in English here or in other languages here.
USCitizenshipTeachers.org - a teacher-created site to share classroom resources for civics and citizenship classes
