English for Speakers of Other Languages

The EL program (formerly English for Speakers of Other Languages, “ESOL”)

Goals for the ELL Program:

To facilitate students’ acquisition of English literacy and academic skills so they may independently participate in the general education program.
To provide instruction that supports the cultural as well as linguistic needs of the students.
To promote the contributions of different cultures and languages to our society.

ESOL courses are designed for students who are identified as English Language Learners. Students whose families identify that another language is spoken at home during registration, are screened to identify whether ELL services are needed to support the student academically. Students coming from other school districts may be identified, and course placements made, using their current WIDA ACCESS for ELs data. Otherwise, the WIDA Model Screener is given at the time of registration to determine a student's best course placement.

ELL services may include co-taught general education classes, individualized tutoring, differentiated materials, alternative assessments, and parental outreach. When a student’s data indicates a greater level of language support is needed, English Language Development (ELD) classes, ELL co-taught general education classes, and ELL-targeted content area classes may be offered. Instructional support is provided to all general education teachers who work with English Language Learners.

MONITOR STATUS

Students in the ELL program are monitored throughout the school year to determine if continued ELL support is needed. All students receiving direct ELL support take the WIDA ACCESS for ELs each spring. This assessment monitors the students' growth in their English language acquisition. Based on this testing data, students may exit the ELL program. Upon exiting the program, students no longer receive direct support services, but their progress is monitored in their general education classes. Testing and instructional accommodations are provided to students in the first two years of their monitor status. Yearly WIDA Access testing, teacher recommendation, and administrative approval are required before a student moves to the next course level or exits to general education classes.

Below is a description of the ELD course offered. Up to two high school credits can be awarded for English Language Development courses completed at the middle school.

English Language Development (ELD)

571044 ENGLISH LANG DEV I

572044 ENGLISH LANG DEV II

573044 ENGLISH LANG DEV III

574044 ENGLISH LANG DEV IV

Grades 6-8

Elective: Full Year

ELD is a language acquisition course which provides targeted support of social and academic language across content areas. ELLs are placed in an ELD course based on their WIDA Access proficiency levels. This course provides a balanced approach to language acquisition through the development of the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through a workshop model approach, students engage with academic language across content areas. This course utilizes the MYP Language Acquisition Guide to align with both WIDA and IB standards.

ELD 1/2 is a class for ELLs who are WIDA Levels 1 & 2 and require a more intensive and structured language learning environment to support their emerging English language acquisition.
ELD 3/4 is a course for ELLs who are WIDA levels 3 & 4 and need specific support in developing a more complex academic language skill set.

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