Skip To Main Content

English Language Learners

The ELL Program at Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools was developed using state and federal guidelines with additional professional input to support English Language Learner (ELL) students who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL).

The main goal of the ELL program is to provide students who are learning English with the support they need to reach their fullest potential in school. Licensed ELL teachers and support staff, in collaboration with classroom and content area teachers, work to provide grade-appropriate learning in all academic coursework while developing their English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

ELL students are monitored and assessed to determine their progress in the classroom and English language acquisition. Test data in conjunction with teacher and parental input determine the necessity and level of ELL service.   All students learn and acquire English at various rates depending on age, native literacy, and time in the country. On average, students will be in an ELL program for three to five years or more. Initially, most students receive direct instruction.

Direct instruction comprises a mix of individual or small group pullout instruction to support their English development. Direct instruction may also be working in the classroom with a student or small group of ELL students to support their learning in a content or mainstream class.   Students are exited from the ELL program when they are considered 'at grade level' in addition to parent and teacher input. They will no longer receive any extra help from the ELL teacher. The state of Minnesota tracks exited ELLs for two years. This two year period is called Monitor. 

Jennifer Lake

Jennifer Lake

Literacy and Federal Programs Coordinator

ELL Teachers

Sharon Grace

Teacher
Cambridge Primary School, Isanti Primary School

Lisa Ziebarth

Teacher
Cambridge Intermediate School, Isanti Intermediate School, Cambridge-Isanti STEAM School

Molly Grell

Teacher
Cambridge Middle School, Isanti Middle School

Yulia Pais

Teacher
Cambridge-Isanti High School

Join Our Team!

It's a great day to be a Bluejacket!

Join our dynamic school district and become part of a passionate team committed to shaping young minds and fostering a nurturing learning environment.

Take the next step in your career by applying for a job in our school district, where innovation, professional growth, and student success are at the heart of everything we do.

Apply Today