District 158 offers a number of programs to support the growth of both English language skills and academic skills for students learning English. Programs are designed to meet the federal Title VI requirements as well as the State requirements for English Language Learners (ELL).
Programs
Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) is for English language learners who have not reached the language proficiency criteria required by the State. Students receive explicit language instruction in the four domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This program provides instruction in the student’s native language to facilitate the transition into English. The program helps students acquire the concepts in the core academic subjects and acquire English skills at the same time. The classes count toward graduation requirements.
The program serves students when 20 or more of the same language group attend one attendance center. Children are instructed in their native language while they learn English. The program maintains and develops skills in the primary language and culture while introducing, maintaining, and developing skills in English. The primary purpose of a TBE program is to facilitate the English language learner’s transition to an all-English instructional program while receiving academic subject instruction in the native language to the extent necessary.
Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), an English program that serves identified EL students in English by providing a full-time teacher certified to provide supplementary instruction for all content area instruction The program integrates English-as-a-second-language instruction with subject-matter instruction that focuses not only in learning a second language, but also using that language as a medium to learn mathematics, science, social studies, or other academic subjects.
Students participate in the mainstream classroom for most of the time and receive ESL instruction in a small group setting in a Push-in or Pull-out model. The program helps students acquire English language skills that will help them succeed in the core academic areas in the mainstream classroom. The classes count toward graduation requirements at the high school level.
The program serves students when 19 or fewer of the same language group attend one attendance center. The program allows students to focus on developing English and educational concepts appropriate for their ability and language level throughout the day.
The goals of the programs for English Language Learners (ELL) are:
- To provide the learning opportunities that will accelerate the acquisition of English and the academic development of all ELLs.
- To help all ELL’s reach English proficiency levels according to the State standards.
- To provide a safe learning environment that values culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
English Language Development Standards establish a common yardstick across the state that defines and measures how English Language Learners systematically acquire language in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Each standard addresses a specific content area. The standards focus on the language needed and used by English language learners to succeed in school.
