English Language Learners

“This is the day you begin

to find the places inside
your laughter and your lunches,
your books your travel and your stories,

where every new friend has something 
a little like you - and something else
so fabulously not quite like you
at all.”

- from "The Day You Begin," by Jacqueline Woodson

Welcome to the English Language Learners (ELL) webpage! Here, you will find information and resources to support our ELL students and families.

Chelsea School District serves its population of English Learners with various instructional supports in order to improve their English skills and be able to participate fully in their academic and social experiences in our schools and community. 

Basic Terminology:
ESL = English as a Second Language (this is the class)
ELL = English Language Learner (the person)
LEP = Limited English Proficient (interchangeable with ELL); AKA Emergent Bilingual

Assessment of ELs:
The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Michigan's state-wide, standardized test that assesses the progress of English language learners on an annual basis. Every ELL student in grades K-12 in the ELL Program participates in the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs.

WIDA/W-APT Resources

For more information about our English Learner program, please contact:
Andrea Franco
District English Learner Coordinator
(734) 433-2202 ext. 2006
afranco@chelsea.k12.mi.us