ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages
Program Overview
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is an English language development program for Kindergarten to grade 12 students whose home language is a language other than English. The education of English Learners is a collaborative responsibility shared by the ESOL teachers, classroom teachers, other staff, students, and the students’ families. In CCPS, the program includes a variety of instructional models. English Learners (ELs) receive English Language Development (ELD) instruction in mixed classes with English-only support, designated ELD (pull-out), integrated ELD (push-in/co-teaching), and when possible or necessary through an ESOL class. English Learners are individuals with unique learning needs. To facilitate effective education of ELs, we respond to their academic, cultural, social, and emotional needs.
Goal
An asset-based approach is used to develop English learners’ language and literacy through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The program emphasizes learning English in order to access grade-level WIDA and content standards, participate meaningfully in academic and special programs, meet the same challenging state academic standards that all Maryland students are expected to meet, and attain proficiency in English as measured by Maryland’s English Language Proficiency Assessment.
Objectives
Objective 1: To encourage a system-wide, asset-based approach to language acquisition which supports the development of linguistically diverse students as biliterate participants in a global society.
Objective 2: To build English language proficiency among English Learners and foster the development of academic language, literacy, and mathematical competence in order to demonstrate progress toward attaining English language proficiency and academic achievement as measured by the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program.
Objective 3: To ensure all English learners graduate high school with adequate preparation to become globally competent participants in society, post-secondary institutions, and the workforce.
Objective 4: To equip all educators of English learners with the knowledge and skills needed to support their linguistic, academic and social growth.
Objective 5: To create access and opportunity for linguistically diverse families to support their child’s learning in partnership with schools.
Curriculum Description
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program has developed rigorous curricula to help elementary, middle, and high school English learners acquire the academic English that is critical to their success in school. All ESOL curricular resources are organized around the academic language needed for success in reading/language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science.
The ESOL curriculum is based on research that supports learning language through academic content as outlined in the WIDA ELD standards. The curriculum places great emphasis on developing language in the four skill areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, using methods specifically designed for culturally and linguistically diverse students. Students are given opportunities to practice and apply academic language through interaction with adults and peers, hands-on learning experiences, and activities that promote critical-thinking.
