English as a Second Language (ESL)

Sheltered English 9 is a year-long course designed specifically for Newcomer English Learners to fulfill their English 9 credit. This course provides an accessible and supportive environment where students develop foundational English language skills while engaging with grade-level content in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Using scaffolds, visual aids, and language acquisition strategies, students will explore a variety of literary and informational texts aligned with the English 9 curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on building academic vocabulary, improving sentence structure, and mastering key components of English grammar. Students will also develop critical thinking and analytical skills through class discussions, projects, and written assignments tailored to their language proficiency levels.

Throughout the course, students will work on:
• Reading comprehension strategies for fiction and nonfiction texts.
• Writing coherent paragraphs and essays, with a focus on structure and clarity.
• Speaking and listening skills through collaborative activities and presentations.
• Language development to support success in other academic courses.

The year-long course is designed for students who have successfully exited the Newcomer ESL program but continue to require additional academic language support and opportunities to strengthen their language practice skills. This course focuses on bridging the gap between foundational English proficiency and the demands of grade-level academic coursework.

Students will engage in targeted activities to develop advanced academic vocabulary, refine grammar and sentence structure, and enhance their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The curriculum integrates content-based instruction to support students’ success in core academic subjects, with an emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and communication.

Key areas of focus include:
• Developing complex sentence structures and academic writing skills.
• Enhancing reading comprehension strategies for advanced texts, including literary and informational material.
• Strengthening oral communication through presentations, group discussions, and collaborative projects.
• Building academic vocabulary necessary for success in content areas such as science, social studies, and mathematics.

This course provides a supportive and structured environment for students to gain confidence in their academic abilities while continuing to grow as proficient English language users.

The year-long course is designed for English Learners at a Level 2 language proficiency who are building the advanced academic language skills necessary for success in grade-level coursework. This course provides targeted instruction to enhance students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities while supporting their continued language development.

Students will engage in activities that bridge conversational fluency with academic rigor, focusing on mastering the vocabulary, grammar, and communication strategies needed for success in all content areas. Lessons are designed to integrate language learning with grade-appropriate academic content, promoting critical thinking and effective communication.

Key areas of focus include:
• Expanding academic vocabulary and understanding of subject-specific terms.
• Strengthening reading strategies for complex literary and informational texts.
• Developing well-structured paragraphs and essays with an emphasis on coherence and detail.
• Practicing advanced listening and speaking skills through presentations, discussions, and collaborative tasks.
• Applying language skills in authentic academic contexts across disciplines.

This course supports students in transitioning from developing to proficient language users, equipping them with the tools to actively engage in grade-level coursework and achieve academic success.

The year-long course is tailored for English Learners at an intermediate proficiency Level 3 who are refining their academic language skills to achieve full success in grade-level coursework. This course focuses on enhancing students’ ability to effectively comprehend and produce complex academic language while strengthening their reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities.

Through engaging, content-rich instruction, students will deepen their understanding of advanced vocabulary, grammatical structures, and language functions necessary for academic success. The curriculum integrates cross-disciplinary themes to build confidence and fluency in academic communication.

Key areas of focus include:
• Mastering higher-level academic vocabulary and understanding nuanced language use.
• Analyzing and interpreting complex texts, including fiction, nonfiction, and technical materials.
• Writing multi-paragraph essays and responses with clarity, organization, and detailed evidence.
• Practicing advanced speaking and listening skills in structured academic discussions and presentations.
• Applying critical thinking and language skills to problem-solving and collaborative activities across content areas.

This course provides structured support for students transitioning to full academic proficiency, equipping them to actively engage in grade-level coursework with confidence and independence.

ESL Newcomers is a year-long course designed for newly arrived English Language Learners (ELLs) who have been enrolled in a U.S. school for less than 12 months and scored a Level 1.5 or lower on the WIDA Screener exam. This course provides a supportive and structured environment to help students build the foundational skills necessary for English language acquisition while adapting to a new academic and cultural setting.

The curriculum emphasizes essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and everyday language skills, enabling students to communicate effectively in both social and academic contexts. Through interactive and engaging activities, students will develop the foundational skills needed to navigate their new school environment and begin their journey toward English language proficiency.

Key areas of focus include:
• Building every day and school-related vocabulary.
• Developing basic grammar and sentence structure.
• Practicing listening and speaking skills for daily interactions and classroom participation.
• Reading and understanding simple texts, including stories and informational materials.
• Writing short sentences and paragraphs with a focus on clarity and correctness.
• Acclimating to U.S. school culture, routines, and academic expectations.

This course is tailored to meet the unique needs of newcomer students, providing a welcoming space where they can grow in confidence and ability as they begin their educational journey in English.

Fast Math is a year-long math course designed for newly arrived English Language Learners (ELLs) who have been enrolled in a U.S. school for less than 12 months, scored a Level 1 on the WIDA Screener exam, and have experienced limited or interrupted formal education. This course focuses on building foundational math skills while simultaneously developing students’ English language proficiency to support success in both math and general academic settings.

The curriculum is designed to address gaps in mathematical knowledge while incorporating essential academic language and vocabulary. Through hands-on activities, real-world problem-solving, and scaffolded instruction, students will gain confidence in basic math concepts and their ability to apply them in everyday and classroom contexts.

Key areas of focus include:
• Understanding and applying basic number sense (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Recognizing and using math vocabulary in English to describe operations and concepts.
• Learning foundational concepts in geometry, fractions, and measurement.
• Practicing problem-solving strategies through visual supports and interactive activities.
• Developing critical thinking and reasoning skills in math contexts.
• Acclimating to U.S. classroom routines and expectations for math instruction.

Fast Math provides a supportive and engaging environment for students to build foundational math skills while developing the language needed to succeed in future math courses and broader academic settings.

ESL Newcomers is a year-long course designed for newly arrived English Language Learners (ELLs) who have been enrolled in a U.S. school for less than 12 months and scored a Level 1.5 or lower on the WIDA Screener exam. This course provides a supportive and structured environment to help students build the foundational skills necessary for English language acquisition while adapting to a new academic and cultural setting.

The curriculum emphasizes essential vocabulary, basic grammar, and everyday language skills, enabling students to communicate effectively in both social and academic contexts. Through interactive and engaging activities, students will develop the foundational skills needed to navigate their new school environment and begin their journey toward English language proficiency.

Key areas of focus include:
• Building every day and school-related vocabulary.
• Developing basic grammar and sentence structure.
• Practicing listening and speaking skills for daily interactions and classroom participation.
• Reading and understanding simple texts, including stories and informational materials.
• Writing short sentences and paragraphs with a focus on clarity and correctness.
• Acclimating to U.S. school culture, routines, and academic expectations.

This course is tailored to meet the unique needs of newcomer students, providing a welcoming space where they can grow in confidence and ability as they begin their educational journey in English.

SOL Prep is a year-long course designed to support students in developing their academic English language skills, with a focus on reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and oral language development. This course utilizes the SIPPS Plus (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) program to build foundational literacy skills essential for success in academic settings.

Through targeted instruction and engaging activities, students will improve their ability to analyze complex texts, expand their academic vocabulary, and communicate effectively in spoken and written English. The course is teacher-recommended and tailored to support students preparing for success on Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments and beyond.

Key Features:
• Systematic instruction in phonics, fluency, and comprehension
• Strategies for academic vocabulary development
• Practice with analyzing and responding to grade-level texts
• Focus on oral language skills to enhance classroom participation

Transitions is a year-long course designed specifically for Newcomer English Learners or those transitioning out of the Newcomer program to fulfill their middle school grade level English credit. This course provides an accessible and supportive environment where students develop foundational English language skills while engaging with grade-level content in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Using scaffolds, visual aids, and language acquisition strategies, students will explore a variety of literary and informational texts aligned with the grade level English curriculum. Emphasis will be placed on building academic vocabulary, improving sentence structure, and mastering key components of English grammar. Students will also develop critical thinking and analytical skills through class discussions, projects, and written assignments tailored to their language proficiency levels.

Throughout the course, students will work on:
• Reading comprehension strategies for fiction and nonfiction texts.
• Writing coherent paragraphs and essays, with a focus on structure and clarity.
• Speaking and listening skills through collaborative activities and presentations.
• Language development to support success in other academic courses.