|
COURSE OVERVIEW
The English as Second Language program is an intensive program of instruction designed
to develop proficiency in the comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition
in the second language. The amount of instruction provided in the English as a second
language is commensurate with students' level of English proficiency and their level
of academic achievement. The students' level of English proficiency and academic
level is identified by the language proficiency assessment committee (LPAC). In
pre-kindergarten through the elementary grades instruction in ESL may vary from
the amount of time allotted to instruction in English language arts in the regular
program for non-limited English proficient students to total immersion in second
language instruction. In grade 6 or grades 7-12, instruction in ESL may vary from
1/3 of the instructional day to total immersion in second language instruction.
The LPAC however may recommend only one period a day based on individual needs of
the student.
The ESL curriculum is divided into 3 levels generally organized by skill areas.
Listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, grammar, conversation, math, social
studies, and science are taught at each of these levels. In addition, students have
to participate in some project work and presentations on different themes at different
times during the academic year, and they will be given a list of books to be read
as well. The ESL program is an integrated skills program; any given course will
require students to use all their language skills. To define the students' level
we will use the state-criterion -referenced tests and then teach them on level-basis.
Level 1(beginner-elementary)
Listening
This course is designed to give students a basic foundation in listening comprehension
skills. The course concentrates on listening tasks. Students listen for letters,
spelling, numbers, and directions and respond in a workbook accordingly.
Content-based Reading
This content-based reading course is designed to give students the opportunity to
develop their reading skills in English within a content area. Students use a variety
of authentic reading materials to learn basic pre-reading and reading strategies
which are designed to improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary. Easy outside
reading will be required as well. Writing This course focuses on the skills of reading
and writing English at the elementary level. The focus of the course is to help
students gain confidence in writing.
Conversation
This course is designed to give ESL students in Level 1 more practice in using oral
English. The emphasis is on small group work, problem solving, role plays, and informal
discussion. The ratio of students to teacher is maximum six-seven to one.
Grammar topics
This course is designed to give students a basic foundation in English grammar and
vocabulary. The course also focuses on helping students improve their oral comprehension
and production skills. It includes absolute zero beginners and elementary level.
Grammar topics are:
- present simple affirmative
- present simple interrogative
- past simple interrogative
- present continuous all forms
- going to and present continuous for future
- comparatives and superlatives
-
Level 2(pre-intermediate - intermediate
Listening
This course is designed to introduce ESL students to listening skills which are
needed for aural comprehension in an academic setting. The course is a directed
program which gives students practice in listening to short lectures, note taking,
and vocabulary development. Students are introduced to several English language
speech patterns and the words and phrases which let the student know that a particular
pattern is being used.
Reading
The class focus is on the development of reading skills and vocabulary. Students
learn to read the language presented in textbooks and required outside readings.
They also demonstrate their understanding of the ideas presented by participating
in class activities and discussions, as well as by responding to short answer essay.
Composition
This writing course focuses on the development of well-written paragraphs. Students
are introduced to the role of American thought patterns as they relate to writing
in English, and they participate in the writing process based on that knowledge.
Some instruction is also given in grammatical structures which are found in well-written
English sentences.
Conversation
This course is designed to give intermediate ESL students more practice using oral
English. The emphasis is on small group work, problem solving, role plays, and informal
discussion.
Grammar topics
- past continuous all forms
- present perfect simple all forms and uses
- 'will' and 'going to'futures
- must and have to, don't have to
- present perfect continuous
- passive in present and past
- subject and object questions
- Level 3(intermediate- upper-intermediated)
Conversation
This course is designed to give advanced ESL students more practice using oral English.
The emphasis is on small group work, problem solving, role plays, and informal discussion.
Listening
This course focuses on the skills needed in listening for academic information.
The majority of the course concentrates on learning how to listen for important
information and take notes from formal lectures.
Content-based Reading
This course is a continuation of level 2 reading and focuses on the further development
of reading skills needed by students to participate in academic classes as well
as those skills needed in reading for entertainment and general information. Students
read and discuss a variety of authentic texts and articles and are introduced to
specific discourse markers.
Composition
This course is a continuation of ESL level 2 writing, with an emphasis on developing
the writing skills learned in level 2 and expanding these skills to writing essays.
Students work on writing connected discourse and are introduced to various styles
of English essays.
Grammar topics are
|
