When a student has limited English and is new to the school, what is the most important consideration to support success?

When a student has limited English and is new to the school, what is the most important consideration to support success?

• A. Gives Kenny an intelligence test.
• B. Ensure that Kenny receives ESL services.
• C. Isolate Kenny from the other students.
• D. Ensure that Kenny's parents are learning English.

Answer: (B)

When a student has limited English and is new to the school, the essential step is to provide ESL services that deliver targeted language development within the classroom context. ESL services give structured support in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also helping teachers adapt instruction so the student can access and participate in lessons across subjects. This directly builds the language skills needed for academic success and social integration, enabling Kenny to engage with peers and complete tasks more effectively. Other options miss the immediate need. An intelligence test doesn’t address language access and can misinterpret language differences as a cognitive problem. Isolating the student deprives them of opportunities to practice language and build social connections. Expecting parents to learn English is helpful for communication at home, but it doesn’t directly ensure the student can understand and engage with school instruction.

When a student has limited English and is new to the school, the essential step is to provide ESL services that deliver targeted language development within the classroom context. ESL services give structured support in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also helping teachers adapt instruction so the student can access and participate in lessons across subjects. This directly builds the language skills needed for academic success and social integration, enabling Kenny to engage with peers and complete tasks more effectively.

Other options miss the immediate need. An intelligence test doesn’t address language access and can misinterpret language differences as a cognitive problem. Isolating the student deprives them of opportunities to practice language and build social connections. Expecting parents to learn English is helpful for communication at home, but it doesn’t directly ensure the student can understand and engage with school instruction.