Research & Resources

Archive Benchmarks 1.0

The Alberta K-12 ESL Proficiency Benchmarks will be phased out. Please see the information on the revised and updated K-12 Alberta English as an Additional Language Proficiency Benchmarks (Benchmarks 2.0).

Printable Benchmarks 1.0:

• ESL Benchmarks Kindergarten
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 1–3
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 4–6 
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 7–9 
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 10–12 

Benchmarks 1.0 Tracking Sheets:

• Kindergarten Tracking Sheets
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 1–3
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 4–6 
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 7–9 
• ESL Benchmarks Grades 10–12 

Research

• A Review of the Literature on English as a Second Language Issues (2008)
  This literature review, carried out by the University of Calgary, focuses on three areas: content and curriculum, how schools can identify English as an additional language learners with special education needs, and English as an additional language learners with limited first language literacy.

• ESL Literature Review Update (2009)
  In 2009, Alberta Education and Childcare contracted Howard Research & Management Consulting Inc. to update the literature review associated with the 2004–2006 study into the factors that influence and predict academic success of English as an additional language learners. 

Information and Resources for Supporting English as an Additional Language Learners

• What School Administrators Need to Know about English Language Learners and ESL Programming (2014)

  This four-page guide focuses on the following areas:  English as an additional language language learners, programming and supports, language proficiency measurement, teaching strategies, classroom assessment, and supporting English as an additional language learners and their families.

• Making a Difference: Meeting Diverse Learning Needs with Differentiated Instruction (2010)
  This resource features 14 chapters with teaching strategies and considerations for supporting diverse learners.  Chapter 9 focuses specifically on English language learners.

Early Childhood Information and Resources

• Working with Young Children Who Are Learning English as a New Language (2009)
  This 34-page guide helps early childhood professionals better understand how young children learn a second (or third) language, the relationship between English language learning and home language and culture, and how school can develop effective programming that enhances English language learning.

Other Information to Support Schools Providing Services to English as an Additional Language Learners

• Alberta’s Senior High School Courses Focusing on English language development, the English as an additional language (EAL) senior high school program of studies includes 5 courses, each representing a level of English proficiency (from beginning to advanced). The goal of this program is to provide students learning EAL with planned, systematic instruction and support that will accelerate their English language development so they are able explore career pathways, further their education, and reach their full potential.

• Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12 The Guide to Education provides information for administrators, counsellors, teachers and other parties engaged in the delivery of quality education. The guide contains key requirements and other information for the implementation of English as an additional language education programming and policy requirements.

• Funding Manual
  The Funding Manual assists school authorities, including public, charter schools, accredited funded private schools, and private ECS operators in understanding and accessing Alberta Education and Childcare funding. The Funding Manual includes formulas, rates, and criteria, including for English as an additional language coding and grant requirements.

• Parents
  Parents can find information on English as an additional language (EAL) programming in the Parents section of newLearnAlberta by clicking on Frequently Asked Questions and, “I want to know more about English as an Additional Language”. Alberta Education and Childcare has developed 5 EAL high school courses, from beginning to advanced English language proficiency that support students to develop English more quickly. Parents can find information about what students learn in provincial high school EAL courses at Senior High School-English as an Additional Language.