English for Speakers of Other Languages

The ELL 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 (ELLs). 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, new students will take the WIDA Model Screener, which is a test of a student’s current level of English language skill in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This test is given at the time of registration to determine language services as well as the best course placement for the student.

ELL services may include co-taught general education classes, individualized tutoring, differentiated materials, alternative assessments, and parental outreach. When a student’s WIDA test results indicate 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.

Below is a description of each ELD course offered. Up to two high school credits are provided for English Language Development classes in grades 9-12.

MONITOR STATUS

Students in the ELL program are monitored throughout the school year to determine if continued ELL supports are needed. All students receiving direct ELL supports, and students in Exit year 1 and 2, 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.

ELD 1

571044 English as a Second Language I

Grades 9-12

This course provides a balanced approach to language acquisition through the development of the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students participating in this course have been identified as a WIDA Level 1 - 2.9. In this course, students engage with social language and academic language across content areas. This course supports EL students’ development of emerging academic language in an individualized and developmentally appropriate manner. This course utilizes the MYP Language Acquisition Guide to align WIDA and IB.

ELD 2

572044 English as a Second Language II

Grades 9-12

This course provides a balanced approach to language acquisition through the development of the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students participating in this course have been identified as a WIDA Level 3.0 - 4.3. In this course, students engage with social language and academic language across content areas. This course supports EL students’ development of emerging academic language in an individualized and developmentally appropriate manner. This course utilizes the MYP Language Acquisition Guide to align WIDA and IB.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

013344 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS ( ELs)

Grades 9-12

Elective

Prerequisite: Placement must first be recommended by ESOL Case Managers and ESOL CTL (Curriculum Teacher Leader)

Strategies for Success for ELs is a highly specialized course designed to support ELs. In this course, the ELL teacher will work with students to develop robust vocabulary in English, expand use of comprehension strategies and improve various writing skills, including writing according to various text structures, employing correct grammar, and developing note-taking strategies. In addition, students will be supported in their content area studies. This course is intended for ELs who are a WIDA level 3-4, or have been a WIDA level 1-2 for more than 2 years. This course may be taken more than once for elective credit. In addition the course provides direct instruction in specific learning strategies, study skills, time management, organization, and self-advocacy skills. Time is also allotted to address individual areas of need as identified in a student's Language Instruction Education Program (LIEP). While students may receive assistance on core curricular assignments, the course is not designed to serve as a study hall. Students enrolled in the course receive the equivalent of one period of instruction each day and earn an elective credit. This course may be taught for an elective credit all four years or more, as appropriate. Students successfully completing two years of this course will satisfy the sequential elective requirement for the Standard and Advanced Diploma. (Students may be awarded a half-credit upon completion of a full semester of placement in the Strategies for Success course. Such a decision is made by the school counselor in conjunction with the Curriculum Teacher Lead (CTL) for ESOL.

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