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Educating Students About English
Williamson County Schools (WCS) provides English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for students who qualify as English Learners. Federal and state laws, as well as WCS School Board policies, guide the purpose, structure and content of this program.
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The mission of the Williamson County ESL Department is to meet the needs of English Language Learners and help them achieve the high academic standards expected of all students. Our program educates and acculturates ESL students in a way that respects individual diversity, ability, intellect, and character.
The ESL Department provides English classes to all non-native English speakers. We support students and teachers through a variety of services including pull-out programs, daily ESL classes, inclusion, and/or other appropriate resources. All our classes are available to any WCS student who has been designated as an English Language Learner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does my child qualify for ESL services?
- A parent, teacher, principal, or other school official refers the student to the ESL program. The Home Language survey is used as a referral in many cases.
- The student is assessed based on the state proficiency test, standardized test scores, and any other factors that may attest to the student’s English ability.
- If the student is assessed as a non-English speaker or a student of limited English proficiency, then the student will receive assistance based on the student’s needs.
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How does my child exit the ESL program?
A student’s exit from ESL services is based on proficiency in all areas of English language: listening, speaking, reading, grammar, and writing. A variety of criteria is used to document the student’s proficiency. Such evidence may include a score of FEP (Fluent English Proficiency) on the state proficiency test, at or above grade level standardized test scores, and satisfactory classroom performance. There will be a two-year transition period in which support will be provided as necessary. Afterwards, the ESL teacher will make recommendations regarding exiting.
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How long will my student need ESL services?
Four to seven years is the expected range of time for a student to need ESL services. Many factors may cause this time to be longer or shorter: the age and grade level at which students enter US schools, students’ literacy in the native language, and individual variables including motivation, effort, and study habits. Students are always evaluated individually every year.
CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) usually takes a minimum of five to seven years to be sufficient for the student to function in a regular classroom. For some students, it takes longer.
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What is taught in ESL class?
Elementary/Middle School
- Individualized curriculum designed to meet the needs of each student
- One-on-one or small group instruction
- Pull-out program (some inclusion in the regular classroom)
- Curriculum that corresponds to WCS scope and sequence
- Close collaboration with classroom teachers
- English reading, writing, grammar, listening, and speaking skills
- Vocabulary building and communication techniques
- Examples of basic topics include: school vocabulary, colors, shapes, numbers, letters and sounds, word order, home vocabulary, personal information, health, community, expressions
- Materials and strategies vary according to student needs
High School
- Individualized curriculum for each level of English proficiency
- Daily instruction for credit ESL classes
- Curriculum that corresponds to WCS scope and sequence
- Close collaboration with classroom teachers
- English reading, writing, grammar, listening, and speaking skills
- Vocabulary building and communication techniques
- Material and strategies vary according to student need
- ESL students will receive all services, including an individualized education program, if appropriate.
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What are my rights as a parent of an ESL student?
- Parents have access to all school information concerning your child.
- Parents may waive student’s participation in the ESL program if they meet with the ESL teacher and make their request in writing.
- Parents will be notified if their child is eligible for ESL services.
- Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in the educational program for ESL students.
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What can I do at home?
- Talk with your children about their school day. Find out what has been learned in all classes. Make sure your children do their homework assignments. Show your children you care about their learning.
- Read with your children: read with your children in your home language and read in English. Parent interest in reading and learning will inspire children to read.
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Vision
The purpose of the ESL program is reflected in the Student Programming Goal of the WCS School Board’s Strategic Plan: to offer high-quality, equitable student programming and facilities to produce graduates prepared to further study and compete in a global society by being fluent in English.
Mission
The mission of the WCS ESL Department is to meet the language needs of English Learners and help them achieve the high academic standards expected of all students.
Goals and Content
The ESL program educates English Learners in a way that respects individual diversity, ability, intellect and character. The ESL Department provides English classes to non-native English speakers who qualify for services. The department supports students and teachers through a variety of services including pull-out programs, scheduled ESL classes, inclusion support and other appropriate resources.
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Content-Area Classes
According to state law, content-area classroom teachers will modify to the point that the ESL student can be successful in the class. Possible modifications include:- Environment (peers, strategic seating)
- Instruction (using visuals, speaking slowly and clearly, simplifying instructions, practicing behavior management)
- Materials and Assessment (adapt homework, tests, assignments; allow extra time, shorter assignments/tests; no essays or simplified essays; allow illustrations and labeling to assess)
Other Support Services
As with all students, ESL students may be eligible for other support services if necessary. These may include one or more of the following:- Tutors
- Reading and Math specialists
- Speech specialists
- Interpreters
- Special education
- Learning labs
- Homework clubs
Tennessee-Mandated Tests
Students in grades 9-12 are required to pass state-mandated tests in order to receive a high school diploma. The expected graduation rate is 100%.
Students in grades 2-8 are required to take state-mandated achievement tests.
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All of these services are available to any WCS student who has been identified as an English Learner by the approved Tennessee Department of Education language proficiency screener or assessment. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students at each level of English proficiency through:
- English reading, writing, grammar, listening and speaking skills
- one-on-one or small group instruction
- daily ESL classes for credit in high schools
- curriculum that corresponds to WCS Scope and Sequence
- close collaboration with classroom teachers
- vocabulary building and communication techniques
- materials and strategies according to student needs
- Tennessee Department of Education: English Learners
For adults who need English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), please contact:
Adult ESOL Classes
Workforce Essentials Adult Education
118 Seaboard Lane, Suite 109
Franklin, TN 37067
615-370-6004