What do you do, then?
We use a lot of TPR (Total Physical Response) in the beginning. We also use context clues, scaffolding, gesturing and visual aids such as pictures and flash cards to teach survival English first, then academic language. We incorporate sentence frames for writing and speaking, to help the students learn the structure of English. We also use websites such as Google Translate and Dictionary.com. |
So, what do you teach?
ESL consists of four domains: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The key to these four domains is vocabulary. When a student is new to the English language, we teach "Tier 1" vocabulary, which is basic everyday vocab. As the student progresses, we add in "Tier 2" vocabulary, which is academic vocabulary (words they will encounter in textbooks and classroom lessons). And to show how language acquisition is really circular in nature, consider this: The more vocabulary a student acquires, the better he/she can read......and the more a student reads, the more vocabulary he/she will acquire. |
Are there state standards for ESL?
Yes. The state of Tennessee has issued these standards for the teaching of ESL students. |
How are students identified for ESL services?
In Tennessee, we administer the WIDA Screener. The student's score determines if the student needs ESL services, and if so, how many minutes each day. |
How do you monitor student progress?
During the year we administer a benchmark assessment specifically designed for ESL students called "WIDA MODEL" and it measures progress in all four domains. We also use informal assessments on a regular basis in the classroom on skills and content. |
What other assessments do you administer? We administer the WIDA ACCESS (English Language Development Assessment) in March each year. This test measures the overall proficiency of the students in the four domains of reading, writing, speaking, and listening with a score range of 1-6. Students with an overall score of 1 or 2 will continue to receive intensive instruction. Students with an overall score of 3 or 4 will receive moderate instruction. An overall score of 4.4 AND a literacy score of 4.2 signifies proficiency and that student will become a "transitional student: T1 the first year and T2 the second year. |