TESOL
DEVELOPING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TOGETHER
WELCOME TO TESOL AT GRACE
The TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) program at Grace International School provides Academic English language support services to students whose first language is a language other than English, and who have been classified as English Language Learners (ELL). TESOL support is provided mainly through collaboration with content teachers and in the ESOL classroom. The goal of our program is to help ELL students develop a level of Academic English proficiency that allows them to function independently at their grade level.
An English Proficiency Exam is required for all non-native English speaking students. Students will be assessed in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. A minimum score is required for students to be considered for admission. For students requiring English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support, assessments for incoming and returning students will be used to determine appropriate levels of support.
TESOL PROGRAM
Depending on available personnel, the TESOL program services may include:
TESOL Guided Study Hall
This course is designed to develop students’ English language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Through various units of study, students will expand their English vocabulary and usage, become familiar with social idiomatic expressions, and master necessary grammar topics for their grade level of English development. Grammar topics will include upper-intermediate levels of count and non-count noun forms, complex quantifiers, conditional forms, phrasal verbs, and present tenses. In class, students will be given time to directly apply new information to their current content area studies. In addition, there will be time provided for students to work on homework and receive support as needed.
TESOL Monitoring
This monitoring is for students who exit the TESOL Guided Study Hall after annual testing. During the 1 year of Monitoring students receive support in the classroom and with their class work as needed. The level of support depends on the needs of the student.
TESOL Teachers
The TESOL program has a dedicated TESOL teacher in the Elementary School, Middle School, and the High School. The approach to provide the best support varies according to the needs of the students and the students’ grade level.
Elementary TESOL
- Students' needs are evaluated within the classroom through consultation with teachers and regular observation.
- The TESOL Teacher assists classroom teachers by providing support to ELLs. An inclusion approach is preferred over a pullout approach although the needs of the student will direct the intervention chosen.
- The TESOL Teacher develops relationships with content teachers and provides training and resources to teachers in order to increase their effectiveness with ELLs.
- The TESOL Teacher develops and expands ESOL resources for grades K-5.
Middle School TESOL
- Students' needs are evaluated primarily through consultation with teachers, the ESOL class and WIDA assessments.
- The TESOL Teacher provides support to ELLs using a flexible approach that minimizes interference to the students' program of study. This includes in class instruction, tutoring, and/or assisting content teachers by pushing into class to observe what is being taught in order to better support students.
- The TESOL Teacher develops relationships with content teachers and provides training and resources to teachers in order to increase their effectiveness with ELLs.
- The TESOL Teacher develops and expands ESOL resources for grades 6-8.
High School TESOL
- Students' needs are evaluated primarily through consultation with teachers, the ESOL class and WIDA assessments.
- The TESOL Teacher provides support to ELLs using a flexible approach that minimizes interference to the students' program of study. This includes in class instruction, tutoring, and/or assisting content teachers by pushing into class to observe what is being taught in order to better support students.
- The TESOL Teacher develops relationships with content teachers and provides training and resources to teachers in order to increase their effectiveness with ELLs.
- The TESOL Teacher provides oversight to volunteers. This would include recruitment, overall direction of the volunteer task, providing materials, offering training as needed and monitoring progress.
- The TESOL Teacher develops and expands ESOL resources for grades 9-12.
