ESL Program (English as a Second Language)

Improvement of the English proficiency and academic achievement of English language learners is the goal of this program. Some small group instruction, classroom support, and ESL content classes are geared toward helping our students be academically successful, demonstrate achievement of the Maine Learning Results, and gain English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A child may be eligible to receive ESL services until s/he has met all the exit criteria established by the Scarborough School District. Parents have the right to discontinue or refuse ESL services at any time.

An assessment, called ACCESS for ELLs - Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English from State to State for English Language Learners, is used throughout Maine and in other states. A report of a child's English language proficiency scores from an assessment details a child's English language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, a comprehension score (listening and reading scores combined) and an overall score. This report identifies a child's language skills in both social and academic English. Academic language is used to communicate in the content of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. More information about this assessment can be found at www.wida.us [Leaving Eight Corners].

At the primary school level, communication between home and school is crucial to the success of the student. Mrs. Cote, the ESL instructor, makes frequent contact with families in the form of phone calls and from time to time home visits. Students may bring home books, games and other materials to practice their newly acquired language skills at home.