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ESL Program Overview
The goal of English as a Second Language Program (ESL) is to enable Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students to become competent in receptive, productive and complementary language skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing. Through the use of communicative and integrative methods of second language teaching the program focuses on mastery of English language skills. In addition, the program emphasizes mastery in the content areas of mathematics, science and social studies. All content area teachers adhere to the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) in order to provide the necessary support to LEP students to acquire the specific content. There are two types of instructional design options in the program; content based and pull out.
In the content based option, a certified full-time teacher provides supplementary instruction for all content area classes. There is a strong English language development component in every lesson. This component takes into account the student’s current English language proficiency level and guides the teacher in providing the appropriate instruction for each level. The acquisition of English takes place in a structured, non-threatening environment in which students feel comfortable taking risks; and lessons include controlled vocabulary allowing students to gradually acquire the necessary language skills to succeed in grade level TEKS objectives and become lifelong learners.
In the pull out option, ESL students spend part of the day in their mainstream classroom, and are pulled out for a portion of each day to receive specialized instruction by a certified ESL teacher in a small group instruction. Our certified ESL teachers follow the grade level curriculum and by using ELPS and TEKS they tutor the students in the integrated content areas. Instruction takes place in a stress free learning environment where each student’s language and culture are valued, and where confidence and self-assurance are instilled.
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