Program Overview

The English as a Second Language Program (ESL) provides English Learners (EL) with an opportunity to acquire proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English. The ESL Program promotes a positive learning environment in which each student’s first language, culture, and ethnic heritage is valued. The ESL teachers work with students whose first language is a language other than English and who qualify for ESL services through a testing and referral process. There are specific strategies, methodologies, and curriculum used to help students acquire English so that they can become successful in achieving the Kentucky Academic Standards requirements and expectations, as well as the English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards.

Hardin County Schools recognizes the following facts:

1. Language acquisition is an intellectual process; even the youngest learners do not simply “pick-up” a language.

2. Language acquisition takes time. It can take seven to ten years for an English Language Learner to achieve the same level of academic proficiency as a native English speaker.

3. Effective education for English Language Learners calls for comprehensive provision of excellence in education based on the latest research, standards, and known best practice in the area of English as a Second Language.

Program Goals

• · To assess potential EL students. The WIDA Screener or K W-APT is the initial assessment to determine if a student needs language assistance.
• · To maintain accurate EL records.
• · To meet the individual needs of EL students through the use of the WIDA Standards and their Program Service Plan.
• · To provide EL students with appropriate, differentiated instruction through the use of research-based strategies that will accelerate both the student’s language growth and academic progress.
• · To provide EL students, as needed, with immediate intervention so they do not fall behind academically.
• · To identify and accelerate growth for long term EL students.
• · To exit students from the EL program once they have reached language proficiency as pre-determined by the Kentucky Department of Education.
• · To monitor student progress four years after exit to ensure students are succeeding in the mainstream curriculum.
• · To provide professional development for ESL teachers, ESL instructional assistants, administrators, classroom teachers, and other school personnel on an ongoing basis.
• · To communicate effectively with parents and the community to promote involvement and participation in reaching program goals, support student progress, and assist during scheduled meetings and activities.