Number:

133

Section:

Programs

Title:

English as a Second Language

Date Adopted:

June 27, 2002

Date Reviewed:

November 18, 2003

Purpose
The education of students whose dominant language is not English and/or are English language learners is the responsibility of every school district in the Commonwealth. Title 22, Chapter 4, Section 4.26 of the Curriculum Regulations requires that the school district provide a program for every resident student who is limited English proficient (LEP) or an English language learner (ELL). The regulation states:

"Every school district shall provide a program for each student whose dominant language is not English for the purpose of facilitating the student's achievement of English proficiency and the academic standards under § 4.12 (relating to academic standards). Programs under this section shall include appropriate bilingual-bicultural or English as a second language (ESL) instruction."

Responsibility
To comply with this requirement, the school district will provide eligible students with a planned program of English as a second language instruction (ESL) to facilitate the acquisition of English language skills and provide an instructional program appropriate to the student's developmental and instructional level.

The Superintendent or designee will oversee the implementation of this program.

Advisory services for the development, expansion and improvement of English as a second language (ESL) and bilingual education programs are provided by a Bilingual Education/ESL Advisor in the Department of Education.

Assurances
The ESL program will follow procedures established by the administration and will be based on sound educational theory. It will include sufficient resources and appropriate professional staffing. There will be a periodic evaluation of student progress. Professional staff development will be conducted for ESL teachers, content areas teachers, administrators, and support staff. Language will not be a barrier for students to participate in academic opportunities, pupil personnel services, and/or extra-curricular activities.