High School

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Organizing EAL Support in Senior High Schools

In Alberta, most English language learners are placed in classes with their English-speaking peers according to course selection; however, based on their language proficiency and academic backgrounds they may have specific timetabling requirements. English language learners receive explicit English language support and instruction through small group instruction, differentiation and grouping. Occasionally, some English language learners of lower proficiencies or with limited formal schooling experiences may have sheltered instruction for part of the day and are placed in grade-level courses when appropriate.

Sheltered Courses

Schools with large populations of English language learning students at intermediate or advanced levels in your school may offer sheltered classes in which English language learners are clustered together in a separate class so instruction can be specially designed to focus on the language components of a particular subject. Classes work toward the outcomes in the subjects’ programs of study, but provide explicit instruction on the vocabulary, language structures and discourse patterns of that discipline. Examples of sheltered classes are often found in Science 10, English 10 and Social Studies 10. Ideally, these classes are co-planned and taught by an English as a second language (ESL) specialist teacher and a subject-area teacher.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Courses

When schools have a large English language learning population and adequate resources, it is beneficial to offer beginner, intermediate and advanced level courses. If your school has few English language learners and/or limited resources, there may be a school in your district that can accommodate your English language learners with limited English language proficiency. If it is not possible to offer independent ESL courses, consider enrolling English language learners in the appropriate ESL course, but have them attend an ELA 10-4 or 10-2 class where the teacher will teach the ESL outcomes. The students will receive credit for the ESL course.

If there is a small number of English language learners with specific learning needs at several schools within a jurisdiction, e.g., limited formal schooling or newcomers, the jurisdiction may consider designating a school to host a class for these students.

Adjunct Courses

Adjunct courses may be provided for the most linguistically demanding courses in the mainstream; e.g., primarily English literature courses and perhaps social studies courses. Adjunct courses run parallel to courses such as ELA 20-1 or Social Studies 30-2. They provide additional time to focus on the vocabulary and structures of the materials and to strengthen students' academic strategies, especially as they prepare for diploma-level courses.