For a student who recently moved from another country and has limited English, what is the most important initial step?

For a student who recently moved from another country and has limited English, what is the most important initial step?

• A. Give Kenny an intelligence test.
• B. Be certain that Kenny receives the services of the school's ESL instructor.
• C. Keep Kenny isolated from the other students until he feels more comfortable.
• D. Be certain that Kenny's parents are learning English.

Answer: (B)

When a student who recently moved from another country has limited English, the most important initial step is to ensure access to ESL services so the student can receive targeted language support. Providing instruction from an ESL teacher helps the student build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English while still engaging with the curriculum. This support enables the student to participate in classroom activities, understand lessons, and gradually gain confidence and independence in academics. An intelligence test doesn’t address language needs and isn’t the immediate priority for a student still learning English. Keeping the student isolated from peers delays language practice and social integration, which are important for learning. While involving and supporting parents is valuable, they don’t have to master English before the student can start receiving language assistance; the student needs accessible language support now to engage with instruction and succeed.

When a student who recently moved from another country has limited English, the most important initial step is to ensure access to ESL services so the student can receive targeted language support. Providing instruction from an ESL teacher helps the student build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English while still engaging with the curriculum. This support enables the student to participate in classroom activities, understand lessons, and gradually gain confidence and independence in academics.

An intelligence test doesn’t address language needs and isn’t the immediate priority for a student still learning English. Keeping the student isolated from peers delays language practice and social integration, which are important for learning. While involving and supporting parents is valuable, they don’t have to master English before the student can start receiving language assistance; the student needs accessible language support now to engage with instruction and succeed.