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MSD of Decatur Township is home to approximately 950 students from 47 different countries, and who speak a combined 28 languages. English Learner (or Multi-Lingual) supports are available at all Decatur Township schools for students who qualify.
Lynwood Elementary in particular includes 115 students representing 12 different languages. The focus of English Learner instruction includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking with the goal of English language acquisition.
Mrs. Shelly Abner, EL Instructional Assistant, reviews letter sounds & pictures with students.
Mrs. Becky Starnes, EL Teacher at Lynwood Elementary shared that, “Students learn language through authentic experiences, vocabulary exposure, and carefully scaffolded instruction.” Students with a home language other than English are screened upon school enrollment and annually to determine the correct educational supports, such as small group instruction, accommodations, etc. Students who begin school with little to no understanding of English can be supported with peer partners, communication cards with picture support, and technology translation when necessary.
Mrs. Starnes begins a small reading group with students at Lynwood Elementary
Mrs. Starnes, who is a DC graduate and also attended Lynwood Elementary as a student, has been a teacher in Decatur Township for 16 years total, including the last 6 years as an EL teacher. When given the opportunity, she chose to return “home” to Lynwood and proudly displays yearbook photos from her early days in the school. She loves being an EL teacher and shared that, “Our students are eager to learn, and I have seen a lot of growth, particularly in students we have supported for multiple years.” EL Instruction is a team approach between the EL teacher, classroom teachers, and instructional assistants. It is an example of one of the many ways Decatur Township removes barriers to meet the needs of all through teamwork.
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Lynwood yearbook photos from past years.