ELL Questions & Answers
· Why do I have to come to the ELL office to register my child?
The Bilingual Act of 1988 requires that all students whose first language is not English be assessed for English fluency. This is done to determine if a student needs the services of the ELL Program. The ELL office serves as a central site for the registration and assessment of potential ELL students.
· If my child qualifies for ELL, do I have to accept the program?
No. Once a child has been assessed and qualifies for the ELL program,
parents or legal guardians may waive the ELL Program by signing the Waiver Form. One form will be placed in the student’s cumulative folder and another will be placed in the ELL office files.
· Where is the ELL office located?
The ELL office address is 2601 Bransford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204
When traveling south on I-65, exit Wedgewood and turn left. When traveling north on I-65, exit Wedgewood and turn right. Turn right at the first traffic light (Bransford Avenue). Proceed down Bransford and go through one stop sign, one traffic light and over the railroad tracks. Turn right at the first street (Fessey Park). The ELL office is located at the end of the first building on the left.
Most schools have maps to facilitate your travel to our office and they will be glad to assist you with directions.
· If my child was born in the United States and I know they do not need help with English, why can’t I just register my child at their zoned school?
If you checked “yes” to one of the Home Language Survey questions, you have identified your child as a NELB (Non-English Background Student). We are mandated by law (Bilingual Act of 1988) to assess your child’s language skills. The initial assessment takes place at the ELL office.
· What do I need to bring for registration?
You will need to bring a birth certificate/passport/I-94, Tennessee immunization record, proof of a physical examination in the last 6 months, proof of residence (light, water or telephone bill with your printed address) and a social security card, if your child has one. A parent or legal guardian must be present, as well as the child to be assessed.
· Will you be teaching my child in our native language?
No. Our program concentrates on teaching children oral, reading and writing skills in English only.
Will my child have transportation?
Yes. If your child lives farther than one and one fourth miles from his/her zoned school, transportation will be provided. The school secretary will give you the information regarding the bus route and area where the bus will stop.
If your child is out of zone for the nearest ELL center school, the ELL office will complete and file all appropriate forms for requesting special transportation for your child.
· If I move, will my child be able to attend the same school?
It is very important that you call the ELL office and let us know if you are considering moving. Because of the zoning limits, your child may have to change schools. Regardless of your new location, ELL services will be provided for your child in an ELL center school.
· My child is 18 years old and I want him/her to go to school all day since he does not speak English and did not finish high school in my country. Why does he have to go to Adult ELL?
A student who is 18 years old is considered an adult. Any new 18 year old ELL student who has not been enrolled previously in an American school is not eligible for high school in Davidson County. He/She will be referred to Metro’s Adult ELL Program at Cohn Adult High School (259-8551).
· My nephew has been sent to live with me. Why do I have to have legal custody?
Because of the legal ramifications related to having a child whose parents are not in the United States, it is necessary for guardians to possess legal guardianship. This may be done by going to Juvenile Court and requesting legal custody. A copy of the legal guardianship papers must be presented at the time of school registration.
· If I have a conference, s-team or an IEP meeting, how can I get a translator?
Schools do not hold parent meetings without providing non-English speaking parents with a translator whenever possible. There is a procedure in place that allows for schools to provide translators for parents needing this service. If you need assistance at a meeting and a translator is not in attendance, please ask the school to contact the ELL office to arrange services for you.
· If I receive school correspondence, and other documents in English, how can I get them translated?
Numerous District policies and documents are available in Spanish, Kurdish, Somali, Arabic, Vietnamese and Farsi. Please contact your school for copies of these translations. Bilingual paraprofessionals are also available to assist you in ELL center schools.
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