The English learners studies program serves more than27,000 international students who speak 162 languages and dialects originate from over 150 countries. The program offers English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes for over 16,000 EL students who are instructed by over 300 ESOL teachers in the local schools.
Mission
Provide each learner with the academic and social skills necessary to insure productive life-long learning through a student-centered and differentiated instructional program and a supportive and highly qualified school staff.
Provide services to assist international parents and students with language differences so that students become proficient in academic content and achieve high standards.
Promote parental and community participation in language acquisition activities.
Provide ongoing professional development for ESOL teachers, content area teachers and paraprofessionals.
Administrators, students, teachers and paraprofessionals are provided the following services to assist with English proficiency and the academic success of ELs:
Online and face-to-face ESOL endorsement courses via CaseNex and the professional learning department for certified content area teachers
Title III Summer Enrichment for students at various summer school sites
Professional development classes for all stakeholders
Title III parent-outreach, parent literacy programs, and afterschool tutorial classes for international students and parents
Translations and interpretation services
Support for ESOL teachers in the local schools
Funds for selected Title III eligible local school activities
Data collection and report generation for schools, county, and state
Students in grades 1-12 are eligible for EL services if their first/primary language is a language other than English and they score below a 5.0 composite proficiency level on the WIDA Screener.
Level 1- Entering
- Grades 1 – 2: Students receive language support at their local school
- Grades 3 – 12: Students are eligible for intensive English ESOL services at the International Student Center or one of the satellite locations.
Levels 2- Beginning, 3- Developing, & 4- Expanding
Students in grades 1-12 scoring 2.0 and 4.9 on the WIDA Screener receive English instruction combined with a schedule of regular classes at their neighborhood schools.
Level 5-Bridging
Students who score above 5.0 on the WIDA Screener are scheduled for a regular English class.
Lab Program
Students who are over thirteen years of age with less than seven years of schooling may receive language services through the Lab program.
Special Services
Students who require special services may receive a referral to the appropriate department. A waiting period may be necessary.
Kindergarten students are eligible for EL services if their first/primary language is a language other than English and they score below 29 on the K-WAPT. Students who qualify receive English instruction combined with a schedule of regular classes at their neighborhood schools.
