Merrill Middle School’s ELA-E program is designed to remove language barriers so that students who speak a language other than English are provided equal participation in all educational programs in DPS. 

            Merrill’s 192 students speak more than 30 different languages (including Vietnamese, Somali, Mongolian, Russian, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, Korean, etc.)  They range in age between 11 to 14 years old.  They are identified for the ELA program by the Home Language Questionnaire, CSAP Scores, teacher and parent recommendations, and comprehensive English language tests such as the CELA and the Shining Star Placement Exam.  Students eligible for the program may come from anywhere in the DPS District.  Their educational backgrounds are quite varied.  Many students come from refugee camps where schooling is very limited.  Some students are illiterate in their first language and have never attended school before coming to MMS.  Other students come to us with an advanced educational background above mainstreamed American students but need to learn English before entering mainstream classes. 

            Students at MMS are grouped by grade level (6th, 7th, 8th) appropriate to their age, and by language level (Newcomer, Level 1, 2, or 3) appropriate to their abilities in English.  Students attend five ELA-E classes and two elective classes daily.  They develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English.  They also receive instruction in Math, Science, and Social Studies taught with ESL techniques at the students’ appropriate grade levels.  These classes also help students understand American culture and socially appropriate behavior.  Students participate in numerous special events, assemblies and field trips throughout the year.  The classes and activities at MMS are designed to help the students overcome culture shock, to improve academic achievement and ultimately to enable them to be successful in their new lives in America.