ESL at the Pre-school Level

The most important goal of the early childhood curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners.  This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and think their own thoughts.  The goal is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners.

Our 4K ESL teachers and Bilingual Assistant follow the WIDA Early Years model of building positive relationships with children, and supporting the child-initiated play experiences.  This allows students to interact with others, develop language, acquire vocabulary, recognize and solve problems. These hands-on experiences build a solid foundation for language development and school success.

ESL at the Elementary School Level

All students will receive instruction in the mainstream classroom, delivered by their classroom teacher on a daily basis.  This is where they will receive the same instruction as their peers.  Dependent on their English Language acquisition level, students may receive varying amounts of ESL service time.  Students with lower language levels will receive more ESL instruction than those with higher language levels, according to the Department of Public Instruction recommendations. 

Each year, ESL teachers collaborate with each other and with mainstream classroom teachers to determine which instructional services best meet the needs of our English Learners.  The majority of services provided at the elementary level are based on the Mixed Classes models.  The Mixed Class with Native Language Support programs may be considered for students with very limited or no exposure to English language, and who speak Hmong as their native language.  These services may be provided within the mainstream classroom as direct or consultative services, or in an ESL classroom with direct instruction from an ESL teacher.

ESL Classes and Small Group Instruction

• Language skill development - listening, speaking, writing, and reading
• Academic language
• Background knowledge

Collaboration with Mainstream Classroom Teachers

• Team teaching during core lessons
• Push-in support during literacy block
• Ongoing communication regarding student progress and needs
• Co-planning, support and strategies for student needs 

Collaboration with Special Education

• Plan a schedule for student services together
• Provide a balance of ESL and Special Education services for the student 

Specific information on the type of services your child receives will be sent home annually in their Student Action Plan.  Should you have any questions regarding your child's programming, please contact their ESL teacher, or their principal. 

ESL at the Middle School Level

All students will receive instruction in the mainstream classroom, delivered by their classroom teacher on a daily basis.  This is where they will receive the same instruction as their peers.  Dependent on their English Language acquisition level, students may receive varying amounts of ESL service time.  Students with lower language levels will receive more ESL instruction than those with higher language levels, according to the Department of Public Instruction recommendations.