The ELL Program is designed to meet the linguistic, academic and social needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) who attend Amherst Regional High School. The ELL Program creates a welcoming and challenging learning community where students acquire proficiency in both conversational and academic English, mastering academic content while developing the social skills necessary to thrive in a culturally diverse American high school. Students are enrolled in ELL courses taught by certified ELL teachers and receive English, Social Studies and general credit for these courses. Students are also enrolled in courses outside the ELL program. ELL courses are offered at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels and are aligned with the Massachusetts state frameworks for English and Social Studies, with district curricula, and with state and national standards for English language instruction.
Identification and placement of students is made by the ELL staff, using the MODEL and ACCESS tests and native-language assessments as needed. These assessments are administered upon enrollment and annually in order to determine each student’s English language proficiency level and English learning needs. Students who are not yet proficient in English are placed in ELL courses at the appropriate WIDA level and meet with a school counselor to choose courses in the general curriculum, with the expectation that they will graduate from Amherst Regional High School and pursue post-secondary education. ELLs are placed in non-ELL courses with teachers who are trained through the Massachusetts RETELL program to teach this content and subject-specific academic language to English Language Learners. Bilingual interpreters are assigned to clarify instruction in non-ELL classes (particularly math, science and health) for students at WIDA levels 1-3.
ELL Levels and Credits
There are five levels of ELL: (1) entering, (2) emerging, (3) developing, (4) expanding and (5) bridging. Students are assigned to one of these five levels. Students at levels 1 and 2 enroll in Literacy development: phonics (1 semester), English language conventions: reading and writing (1 semester), Ell communication (1 quarter) and ELL introduction to social studies (1 quarter). The curriculum in the beginning-level courses is often differentiated for entering and emerging students. Students at level 3 enroll in ELL Composition (1 semester), ELL Literature (1 semester) and ELL World History (1 semester). Students at level 4 enroll in ELL Composition & Literature (1 semester) and ELL US History (1 semester). Students at level 5 enroll in either ELL Career Communication, ELL Career Preparation, ELL Language of Film or ELL Global Issues, all offered for 1 quarter, with the career courses offering social studies credit. ELL students progress from one level to the next as they acquire more proficiency in English. Progress is determined through the use of various assessments including a student’s performance in class, annual proficiency assessments and the ACCESS test or other standardized assessments required by the Massachusetts Department of Education.
In addition, we offer a curriculum for students with limited or interrupted formal schooling (SLIFE). These courses meet at the same time as beginning-level literature and composition, and they are designed for students who have had inconsistent schooling or literacy instruction in their first language. Both include 2 credits per term. A student who completes these courses may then take beginning-level courses or intermediate-level courses, depending on their progress.
Most ELL English and social studies courses are two-credit courses that are taken for one or two semesters. The ELL Early U.S. History course is a four-credit course that is taken for two semesters. A student enrolled in ELL courses may receive a maximum of four English credits per year. Students receive social studies credit for the ELL social studies courses. Students receive general credit for additional ELL literature and composition courses. If ELL social studies courses are repeated, general credit is awarded.
ELL 11th or 12th grade students at level 5 who are highly motivated may take one semester of English 10: Literature, Writing, and Public Speaking.
Students receive ELL instruction until they are proficient in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English, at which time they are exited from the ELL Program. The ELL department head monitors the academic progress of exited ELL students for four years. Upon exiting the ELL program, students transition into English classes by taking English 10: Literature, Writing, and Public Speaking. To transition into Social Studies classes, exiting 9th, 10th and 11th graders must enroll in US History. Entering 9th graders who have been exited from ELL will take English 9 and Global History 1.
Please note: course offerings are contingent upon enrollment. As numbers fluctuate, not all courses (outside of US history) are offered each academic year.
Honors Option
Students who wish to engage in more advanced study in ELL may wish to do so through the honors project program. Honors projects may be undertaken in ELL classes at level 4 only, with approval from and in consultation with the ELL teacher. Honors work requires analytical thinking, strong writing skills and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources. Students who elect to do honors must be able to work independently and be self-motivated. Students who cannot maintain a B- or better average should not undertake honors projects.
Level 1
Literacy Development; Phonics Level 1 (0701) - 1 semester (English credit)
English Language Conventions Level 1 (Reading and Writing) (0711) - 1 semester (English credit)
ELL Geography (0621) -1 semester (Social Studies credit-second semester)
ELL Communication level 1 (0601) -1 quarter (English credit-first quarter)
These courses in literacy development and English language conventions are designed to teach students to communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of English language arts and social studies. The course of study will be based on the student’s academic needs. These courses will draw on students’ background knowledge to help them access the culturally relevant content using collaborative learning, direct instruction, and other research-based techniques.
ELL Geography introduces and reinforces social studies concepts and skills. This background knowledge will prepare students for success in more language-heavy ELL social studies classes. Content includes physical geography, human and cultural geography, and regional studies. Skills include the ability to interpret and create globes, maps, charts, graphs and timelines, read and write expository text, interpret visual images, and understand and use key academic vocabulary in context. Each unit will be connected to a reading about a current global issue, a world leader, or an aspect of culture related to that region of the world.
ELL Communication 1 is for students with little or no proficiency in spoken English. Through the use of oral presentations, role-plays and functional language activities, students develop listening and speaking skills in English. Students learn to communicate daily personal needs and converse in social situations on familiar topics. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of English grammar and pronunciation. Students must achieve proficiency at this level in order to transition from the course.
Level 2
ELL Literature level 2 (0603) - 1 semester (English credit)
ELL Composition level 2 (0604) - 1 semester (English credit)
ELL Introduction to Social Studies level 2 (0609)- 1 semester (Social Studies credit-second semester)
ELL Communication level 2 (0602) - 1 quarter (English credit-first quarter)
ELL Literature 1 is a course for students with little or no proficiency in reading in English. Students develop literacy skills and master essential vocabulary and grammar through reading in a variety of genres. Students read narratives, short stories, fables, folktales, and an abridged novel. Students also read non-fiction. Students are expected to read the assigned texts with comprehension in order to transition from the course.
ELL Composition 1 is a course for students with little or no proficiency in writing in English. Students learn to express their ideas in words, sentences and single paragraphs and progress to multi-paragraph compositions. Students use the writing process, edit their own writing, study basic English grammar, and build vocabulary through short readings and independent reading. Students learn basic keyboarding skills in this course. Students must achieve proficiency at this level in order to transition from the course.
ELL Introduction to Social Studies introduces and reinforces social studies concepts and skills. This background knowledge will prepare students for success in more advanced ELL social studies classes. Content includes physical geography, human and cultural geography, and regional studies. Skills include the ability to interpret and create globes, maps, charts, graphs and timelines, read and write expository text, interpret visual images, and understand and use key academic vocabulary in context. Each unit will be connected to a reading about a current global issue, a world leader, or an aspect of culture related to that region of the world.
ELL Communication level 2 will allow students the chance to practice listening and speaking in English in a variety of contexts, from short oral presentations to conversation partners to interviews with school and community members. This course may be taken while a student is enrolled in level 3 courses, depending on enrollment and teacher availability.
Level 3
ELL Literature Level 3 (0643) - 1 semester (English credit-first semester)
ELL Composition level 3 (0653) - 1 semester (English credit-first semester)
ELL World History level 3 (0633) - 1 semester (Social Studies credit-second semester)
ELL Literature 3 is a course in which students increase their English vocabulary, improve contextual reading skills, and develop reading strategies in English. Students read a variety of authentic and abridged literary texts: poetry, drama, short stories, mythology, novels, and nonfiction. Students learn to speak and write about literature in English. Students also focus on improving pronunciation. Students must achieve proficiency at this level in order to transition from the course.
ELL Composition 3 is a course in which students continue to improve their writing in English through the writing process. Students learn to write clear, correct, well-organized sentences, paragraphs, and short essays for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students also study English grammar and usage. Students must achieve proficiency at this level in order to transition from this course.
ELL World History 3 is a content-based course designed to acquaint students with ancient and medieval world history as they increase their academic vocabulary, improve listening, reading and writing skills, and develop responsible research skills. Students must achieve proficiency at this level in order to transition to the next level.
Level 4
ELL Composition and Literature Level 4 (0684) - 1 semester (English credit-first semester)
ELL US History Level 4 (0614) - 1 semester (Social Studies credit-second semester)
ELL Composition and Literature is a course in which students continue to improve their reading and writing in English. Students use the writing process and become more independent at revising and editing. Paragraph and essay writing, including analytical essay writing as well as effective, responsible research skills and oral presentation skills are stressed. Students also study complex grammar points and literary devices and read short stories, poetry, novels, plays and nonfiction works. Students must achieve proficiency at this level in order to transition from the course.
Honors Option: Honors work is possible each term and requires completion of an ELL Honors Project.
ELL Early U. S. History is a content-based course in which students learn about the history and government of North America from pre-conquest Native American societies to the Civil War. Students continue to build English academic vocabulary, improve reading, listening, writing and speaking skills, and develop research and writing skills. This course meets the US History graduation requirement for seniors only. All other students are required to take a US history course offered by the social studies department after successful completion of this course. Honors Option: Honors work is possible and requires completion of an ELL Honors Project in both terms.
Level 5 (transitioning out of ELL services)-the goals at this level are to provide ELL students with interesting and challenging courses while still emphasizing language skills. Students will fulfill their ELL requirements by taking just one of these 4 courses (but may elect to take more)
ELL Career Communication (0606) - 1 quarter, 2 Social Studies credits; ideal for students age 16 and older
ELL Career Preparations (0607) - 1 quarter, 2 Social Studies credits ; ideal for students age 16 and older
ELL Consumer Economics (0608) -1 quarter, 2 social studies credits
ELL Language of Film (0605) - 1 quarter, 2 social studies credits
ELL Language of Global Issues (0615) - 1 quarter, 2 general social studies credits; ideal for juniors and seniors
ELL Career Communication and ELL Career Preparation are both two-credit courses that are intended to prepare ELL students for the demands of the working and professional world. Emphasis will be placed on the oral English skills needed for job interviews, training and orientations and advocating for oneself in the workplace. These courses are designed with high school juniors and seniors in mind, or those students who are already eligible for work.
In ELL Consumer Economics, a 2-credit course, students will examine how human behavior and its motivation to meet one’s own needs and wants drive the U.S. financial system. They will connect this information to understanding career options and decisions, while developing the English language needed to read, write and discuss these topics. Specifically, Consumer Economics highlights the economic realities of debt, credit, market freedoms and restrictions, and fraud. It will investigate factors that impact one’s decision-making and guide students in analysis and implementation of practical strategies.
ELL Language of Film is a two-credit course designed to give students more in-depth appreciation of film through regular film screenings, discussions and presentations.
ELL Language of Global Issues is a two-credit course designed to give students an overview of the global issues facing our planet, from climate change to immigration/migration to BIPOC rights. Through a series of readings and documentaries, students will select an issue of importance and research it more in-depth before presenting the work to the class.