ESOL State Funded Segments

State and federal regulations require that ALL identified English Learners receive a language instruction program. ESOL segments are reported above and beyond the segmented day. ESOL segments do not replace or conflict with segments from any other program (Special Education, Gifted, EIP, etc.). Parents may waive student participation in the ESOL instructional program. IEP committees may determine how ESOL instructional program requirements are to be met. 

The segment length for ESOL instruction follows the same standard as all other state-funded subjects: one-sixth of the instructional day. However, the Georgia Department of Education's ESOL Resource Guide provides additional guidance beyond the minimum time requirement. This guide offers resources and strategies to ensure effective language development for English 

Learners, which may extend beyond the allocated time depending on individual student needs. 

ESOL teachers should meet with their students daily unless the school-wide schedule is established differently (i.e., the school is on an A/B block schedule). Instructional time must follow parameters set by the state: 

● Grades K-3: 45 minutes daily or 225 minutes weekly 

● Grades 4-8: 50 minutes daily or 250 minutes weekly 

● Grades 9-12: 55 minutes daily or 275 minutes weekly 

A block class of 90 minutes will count as 2 segments, but an A/B block will count as only 1 segment. In addition, a segment can consist of the minimum number of minutes required to earn a Carnegie unit in Grades 9-12. A block class of less than 90 minutes on the middle school schedule may only count as one segment. Maximum segments per grade level follow: 

● Grades K-3 – 1 ESOL FTE segment 

● Grades 4-8 – 2 ESOL FTE segments 

● Grades 9-12 – 5 ESOL FTE segments 

All information above has been adapted from the Georgia Department of Education Resource Guide to Support School Districts’ English Learner Language Programs and Georgia state education rule 160-4-5-.02 Language Instruction Program for English Learners (ELs).