English as a Second Language (ESL)

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR ESL STUDENTS

ESL (English as a Second Language) is provided to English language learners (ELLS) as an intensive program of instruction to accelerate acquisition of proficiency in English language and literacy. ESL instruction is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and is accommodated to the student's level of proficiency in English as well as level of academic achievement. Lessons address comprehension, speaking, reading and composition of both oral and written English language. Instruction is provided through supplemental pull-out or content-based classroom instruction.

Mission and Goals

The mission of ESL program is to provide research-based educational guidance and support to every student to achieve academic excellence.
Goals are as follows:

  1. Provide an educational framework for excellence to support English Language Learners.
  2. Support teacher education through professional development opportunities that support diverse learners.
  3. Develop efficient and effective systems to monitor student achievement of diverse learners.
  4. Use data to provide teacher and student support.
  5. Serve every person with integrity, a positive attitude and student-focused action

Purpose

  • To enable ELLs to become competent in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing English.
  • To provide ELLs with equal educational access and benefits.
  • To give ELLs the opportunity to experience early academic success while they learn English as a second language.
  • To build knowledge and learning in content areas as they acquire English.
  • To help students celebrate their cultural heritage and increase self-assurance and confidence.
  • To comply with Federal/ State legal regulations concerning the education of English language learners.

Implementation

  • Everest Academy uses a content-based instructional model.
  • Everest Academy uses a sheltered instruction model. Students are taught the same curriculum in a traditional classroom setting with individualized instructional modifications.
  • ESL teachers use small and large group instruction. Other strategies may include peer-tutoring, use of integrated technology, and cooperative learning.

Benefits

  • ESL services help students learn English as quickly as possible.
  • ESL students, teachers, and campuses benefit from TEA offered resources for ESL students.
  • ESL teachers provide instructional accommodations.

Qualifiers

  • Families submit Home Language Survey at registration.
  • An Oral Language Proficiency Test (OLPT) is administered for students with home language other than English.
  • Additional data is collected through administration of IOWA ITBS, TAKS, or Stanford 10.
  • Students scoring at high level on OLPT or above 48 percentile of ITBS IOWA or meeting standard on TAKS and/or Stanford 10 are identified as Fluent English Speakers (FES) and therefore do not qualify for ESL services.

Exit Criteria

  • Student receiving ESL Services must pass TAKS and/or IOWA ITBS
  • Student receiving ESL Services must score FES on the OLPT

Parent Involvement

  • Parents are welcome to visit school and learn more about the program.
  • Parents are encouraged to share information with teachers regarding culture and language and to serve as translators and liaisons.
  • Parents are invited to participate in the PTA and in all other activities at school.
  • Parents are encouraged to a) support student participation in the program; and, b) be positive with their children about the benefits of being in an ESL program.