ELL
English Language Learners Department

The Sequoia English Language Develoment department believes the diversity of cultures in our school and community strengthens and enriches our society. Our department provides a program for our English learners that develops proficiency in English as rapidly and effectively as possible while building the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to achieve the students' educational goals and become productive members of our society.

Our ELD program delivers focused instruction utilizing research-based interactive strategies specifically designed for English learners. We emphasize communication based instruction and support through the integration of listening, speaking, reading and writing activities.

Students in our program are enrolled in two periods of English instruction based on California ELA and ELD standards. Instructional materials are chosen with the goal of achieving fluency as quickly as possible. All ELD teachers hold LDS or CLAD certificates.

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Name   Phone
Extension		 Send
Email
  Jenna Cestone ELD 3  8485 
  Joan Fiser Bilingual Resource Teacher,ELD 2  8677 
  Jane Slater Department Chair, Bilingual resource Teacher, ELD 1  8662 
  Kathryn Weingand ELD 1  8607 
  Stacey Wenzel ELD2, English 2 SDAIE  8667 


Who is an English Learner?

California requires all parents to complete a home language survey when they register their children for school. The survey asks:

  1. What language did this student learn when first beginning to talk?

  2. What language do you use most frequently to speak to this student?

  3. What language does this student most frequently use at home?

  4. What language is most often spoken by the adults at home?

If your answer to the first three questions on the survey is a language other than English, your child's English proficiency will be evaluated.

By law, students will be given the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) and placed in classes according to their English Proficiency level.

There are five levels of English Proficiency:

  • Beginner

  • Early Intermediate

  • Intermediate

  • Early Advanced or

  • Advanced

WHAT TYPE OF INSTRUCTION AND SUPPORT DO ENGLISH LEARNERS RECEIVE?

Beginners, Early Intermediate and low intermediate English Learners (ELs) with less than 5 years in U.S. public schools receive Structured English Immersion in all grade level English and content classes.

Intermediate, Early Advanced and Advanced English Learners receive English Language Mainstream courses with Specially Designed Academic Instruction (SDAIE). In addition to English, math, science and social studies content classes, ELs receive reading, writing and CAHSEE prep support to support their academic progress.


How are parents involved?

Each year parents of English learners are elected to the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) to represent the needs of English Learners at Sequoia. This group meets monthly to learn about Sequoia events, make recommendations to the principal and the Sequoia site council and promote school policies that enhance the educational opportunities of the Sequoia English Learners. The Sequoia annual Single Plan for Student Achievement incorporates parent advice regarding the English Learner Program and use of targeted funds.

In addition, an Early College Outreach Parent program meets for six or more sessions to education parents on the expectations, goals, graduation requirements, university requirements and scholarship opportunities. Check the Sequoia calendar for dates and times of these meetings.



Published Nov 29, 2012 - 10:10am
 
Infinite Campus