The focus for our English Speakers of other Language (ESOL) program is to provide our students with strategies and resources to help them achieve proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. Our goal is for our EL students to emerge as confident leaders in our global community.
How do you determine that a student is eligible for the ESOL program?
When information gathered at enrollment indicates the need for language screening, the kindergarten student will be given the WIDA K Screener language placement test, for grades 1 to 12 it will be the WIDA Screener.
The parent/guardian will be notified of the screening results within ten days of enrollment. The school system is required by law to identify and screen students who may qualify for the ESOL program; thus parent/guardian permission is not needed to screen. If a student qualifies, the parent/guardian is notified, and services are begun.
Each year, students who qualify for ESOL services are tested with the ACCESS for ELLs test to measure language growth and to determine continued eligibility for the program.
How do students benefit from participating in the ESOL program?
Although many students can communicate socially, they struggle with the language used for academic purposes. It can take many years for students to develop this academic language that includes complicated text structures, formal grammar use, and abstract concepts. The ESOL program assists students to acquire both social and academic language in English by providing direct instruction daily. The program provides targeted support that enables English learners to master the skills needed for success in schools.