English as a Second Language (ESL) is a program designed to teach English to students who are English Language Learners (ELLs). These students are identified as “non English proficient” or “limited English proficient” through a series of standardized tests and other criteria. Screening assessments for ESL eligibility are conducted with any students for whom the Home Language Survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken at home. 

The goals of the program are: 

• To develop English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

• To facilitate the acquisition of subject matter content utilizing key vocabulary and concepts. 

• To ensure a positive transition to a multicultural school environment. 

• To utilize assessments to evaluate learners’ progress toward proficiency and readiness to exit the program. 

If a parent or teacher suspects that he/she has a student who may qualify for the program, a request for screening should be addressed to the building principal. Eligibility, placement, and programming decisions are to be made through a team consultation process, and to include parents’ input. ESL program and service delivery are to interface with RTII programming for focused skill instruction, tiered interventions, and progress monitoring.