Bilingual Glossary

The IFSP is both a process and a document. The IFSP process consists of the gathering, sharing, and exchange of information between families and staff to enable families to make informed choices about the early intervention services they want for their children. The IFSP document is a written contract that outlines outcome statements to be achieved by the infant or toddler with special needs and his/her family (Cook, Klein, & Tessier, 2004).

A written plan constituting a legal document that states a child’s present level of functioning; specific areas that need special services; annual goals; short-term objectives; services to be provided; and the method of evaluation to be implemented for children three to twenty-one years of age who have been determined eligible for special education (Cook, Klein, and Tessier 2004).

Having origins in a region or a country.

An individual's or family's experience of leaving one's home country and moving to a new country.

The language that is used primarily by the child's family in the home environment. For some children, there may be more than one home language (e.g., when the mother speaks Chinese and the father speaks English).

A student’s native language.

the study of who one is permitted to touch in different cultures. 

The system of rules by which words are formed and put together to make sentences.

An error that becomes part of an English language learner’s speech pattern.

Speech characterized by formulas or chunks and phrases that the child uses without completely understanding how they function in the language.

Fully or fluent English proficient.

The process of formulating and sending a message is called expressive language. One way to express language is through speech. Other ways are through sign language, pointing to words and pictures on a communication board, or formulating written messages on a computer screen.

English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Develops students’ social and academic English language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) using State Standards.  Requires a TESOL (Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages) endorsement to existing license

A program of techniques, methodology, and special curriculum designed to teach ELL students English language skills which may include listening, speaking, reading, writing, study skills, content vocabulary, and cultural orientation.   ESL instruction is usually in English with little use of L1.