Program Models

Current Model: In the current model in our district we see SLIFE and Newcomer students together, which is not always beneficial for SLIFE as they have additional needs that need to be addressed during their service minutes. Currently most newcomers receive 60 minutes of EL services daily for 6th graders plus paraprofessional support and teacher push-in throughout the day. In 7th and 8th grade students get about 50 minutes every day along with paraprofessional support and teacher push-in throughout the day.

Proposed Model: In the purposed model, Newcomers and SLIFE would still participate with one another during their recommended EL times above (60 mins daily in 6th grade and 50 mins every day 7th/8th grade).

SLIFE would also get some individualized time to focus on literacy/numeracy skills and topics that may be new to them in order to be successful in school and a classroom (i.e. how to open a lock, take notes, practice cutting with scissors, use a computer, find their email etc.). They would get an additional 50 minutes for literacy/numeracy skills and another 50 minutes for school/classroom education . The rest of their day would be spent in classes with their peers as to not alienate them from their classmates. Their additional classes would either have a paraprofessional or ESL teacher available for the students.

In addition to increased minutes of service during the school day, students would also participate in an after-school program to work on homework completion and get extra academic support. Extended School Year would also be opened up for these students to continue their literacy and numeracy growth through the summer.