Goals of ESL
Goals of ESL
The goal of the ESL Program is to develop English language proficiency by utilizing second language methodology and sheltered instruction strategies through explicit instruction that addresses the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in all academic areas. Each student’s first language and culture are honored as students increase English language proficiency while learning alongside their English proficient peers.
Description of ESL Program
English as a Second Language (ESL) is an intensive instructional program designed to develop proficiency in the comprehension, listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language. Student eligibility for the program is determined through the administration of an English language proficiency test, and parent permission is required for entrance into the program. All instruction is provided in English and utilizes the TEKS and the ELPS for the cultivation of English language skills and the promotion of academic success in all grade level content areas.
Program Eligibility
School districts in Texas are required by state law to assess the English language proficiency of all students whose Home Language Survey indicates that the home language is a language other than English.
If a child demonstrates limited English proficiency on the assessment, s/he will be eligible for enrollment in the appropriate language program: bilingual education or English as a Second Language (ESL). The goal of the ESL program is to enable English language learners to become competent in the understanding, reading, listening, speaking, and writing of the English language through the development of literacy and academic skills in grade level content areas.
Elementary ESL
The ESL program for kindergarten through fifth grade is offered as a combination pull-out/content-based model of English-only instruction based on the student’s individual language level. ESL services are provided at all Waco ISD schools.
Middle School ESL
Each middle school campus in Waco ISD has an ESL Content Program. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program in grades 6-8, is an intensive program of instruction designed to develop proficiency in the listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language. Students are enrolled in an ESL block according to their English proficiency level with a highly qualified ESL teacher where they learn functional, social and academic language to communicate in different settings. All other content area teachers serving ESL students use sheltered instruction strategies to help students understand content and develop academic language in the areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. All courses for ESL students provide instruction based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and follow the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).
High School ESL
Each high school campus in Waco ISD has an ESL Content Program centered on second language acquisition. Each high school offers a variety of courses to ESL students according to their program placement with a highly qualified ESL teacher. The ESL high school program, is an intensive program of instruction designed to develop proficiency in the listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language. Students are enrolled according to their English proficiency level with a highly qualified ESL teacher where they learn functional, social and academic language to communicate in different settings. All other content area teachers serving ESL students use sheltered instruction strategies to help students understand content and develop academic language in the areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. All courses for ESL students provide instruction based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and follow the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS).