The Allendale Elementary School English as a Second Language (ESL) Program provides services to identified English Learners (ELs) students in grades 2-5. The goal of the program is to assist students in language acquisition and academic language skills so that the ELs can succeed in an English-only classroom.
Beginner Room
Students who are new to the U.S. and/or have minimal or no English as determined by the ELPA are assigned to the Beginner Room. Newcomers, Basic, and Low Intermediate ELL students are served on a daily basis in 1 hour sessions. The instructional approach in this classroom has the following features:
1. Instruction is done in English, but the child’s primary language is used to clarify directions;
2. There is a strong English language development component in every lesson;
3. Language acquisition takes place in a structured, non-threatening environment in which students feel comfortable taking risks;
4. Lessons include conversational and environmental language, phonics, vocabulary, and literacy skills; and
5. Cooperative learning, visuals, and modeling are emphasized.
Transition Room
Students who are determined by the ELPA to be at the High Intermediate level of English proficiency are assigned to the Transition Room. High Intermediate students are served 1-3 hours per week. The goal for these students is to support the academic content of English/Language Arts as a vehicle for language learning. At this level, the instructional approach has the following primary features:
1. All instruction is in English;
2. Academic language development is the focus;
3. Lessons include vocabulary, reading comprehension (fiction and non-fiction), and writing skills.
4. Graphic organizers, outlines, and modeling are emphasized.
