K-12 ESL PROGRAM
West Orange follows the High Intensity ESL Program Model. Students receive two or more periods a day of ESL instruction. One period is the standard ESL class, and the other period is tutorial or ESL reading class.
All ESL teachers are either fluent or bilingual speakers of Spanish. The instructional assistants are fluent in Spanish, French, Haitian-Creole, and Japanese. The students’ native language is used where appropriate to introduce, explain, clarify and/or reinforce conce pts.
ESL Instruction in elementary school:
At the elementary level, students generally receive two periods of language arts literacy instruction, although one of the periods may be utilized as a tutorial if needed.
ESL Instruction in middle school:
At the middle school level, beginner students receive two ESL periods per day. Intermediate and advanced students receive one. All intermediate students and selected advanced level students receive a tutorial class daily where they primarily receive assistance in the content areas. The tutorial also provides the opportunity for students to enhance their test taking skills on smaller a setting and their academic skills through the use of computer technology. Advanced level students transitioning into the mainstream receive a reading class instead of a tutorial.
ESL Instruction in the high school:
At the high school level, the high intensity alternative varies depending on the language proficiency and grade level of the students. The following occurs daily:
Beginner students receive two ESL class periods in addition to a tutorial class where they receive assistance in the content areas. Students who have not met the world history requirement are assigned to an LEP section of world history taught by a mainstream teacher in collaboration with the ESL/Bilingual supervisor. The world history teacher is Spanish-speaking and ESL certified.
High beginner, intermediate and advanced students receive two ESL classes - one class period focusing on contemporary issues and a second period focusing on literature and HSPA skills. Students who have not met the world history, US History 1, US History 2, biology, chemistry, physics or earth science requirements are assigned to LEP sections taught by mainstream teachers in collaboration with the ESL/Bilingual supervisor.
Beginner students through intermediate students may also participate in an LEP section of general math or Algebra 1 depending on students’ math and language skills.