Some teachers give the student extra time for homework assignments or tests. Simplified reading materials about an assigned topic have proven to be practical. Bilingual aides or ESL study centers offer assistance with homework. Some teachers first test the ESL student with his or her peers and then allow retakes if necessary with a foreign language dictionary or ESL personnel. Other teachers make use of peer tutors to translate word problems on a math test with the teacher present to prevent excessive communication.
Many teachers provide copies of their notes to assist students in studying for tests.
Others prefer to administer an oral test when written English proficiency is limited. High schools sometimes provide ESL classes in learning and study skills for beginning English language learners. The mainstream teacher should investigate what options are available among school personnel and what options are available among school personnel and whether or not private tutoring is a viable option. Every effort should be made to cooperate as a team with teachers, parents, tutors, and specialists to augment the chances for success for the student. Phyllis Hoffman is presently a language arts teacher in Dublin City middle school and has been an ESL teacher in the Dublin schools.