English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

These courses are designed for English Learners (ELs) whose native or first language is not English and are enrolled at the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL). The ESOL courses are also open to eligible immigrant students who require assistance in adjusting to American culture even though their English skills may be fairly proficient. Those USA-born students who consistently use a language other than English in their homes and social settings may also be eligible to take these courses. Students will be recommended and selected for these courses as determined by the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Screener English Proficiency Test.

Coursework focuses on the four domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing within the context of the core curriculum and the WIDA English Language-Development (ELD) Standards. The ESOL teachers work closely with classroom teachers to assist the EL in obtaining a satisfactory level of achievement in academic subjects. An ESOL-based curriculum textbook series and MSDE-mandated assessments are the basis for the course. Students enrolled in the ESOL program are required to participate in the MSDE-mandated WIDA ACCESS for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Learners) annual assessment.

ENGLISH I (SAIL)
S11011                                     1 credit             Grade 10

Prerequisite:  ESOL Literacy

This course is designed to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. It builds upon prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing. It includes the study of various genres of literature and informational texts, which will be linked to writing assignments. This course is designed for English Learners (ELs) whose native or first language is not English and are enrolled in the Newcomer’s Program at the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL). This course is taken concurrently with ENGLISH II (SAIL).

ENGLISH II (SAIL)
S11511                                     1 credit             Grade 10

Prerequisite: ESOL Literacy

This course offers a balanced focus on composition, literature, and informational texts. Students will have opportunities to write argumentative, informational, and narrative essays and compositions. Through the study of literature and informational texts, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme. Speaking and listening skills continue to be developed. This course is designed for English Learners (ELs) whose native or first language is not English and are enrolled in the Newcomer’s Program at the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL). This course is taken concurrently with ENGLISH I (SAIL).

ESOL I
019814                                      1 credit             Grade 9

Prerequisite: Parent/guardian approval, meets established criteria

This elective course is designed for native speakers of languages other than English who follow the Newcomer’s Pathway as part of the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL) and who have demonstrated limited English proficiency as measured by the WIDA Screener Test. Parent/guardian approval is required to be enrolled in this class. Entering or Beginning students are introduced to the basic structures of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. Students learn to use English appropriately in a range of academic and social situations. They also develop basic reading and writing strategies, expand oral comprehension, and learn initial conventions of grammar and punctuation. This course does not satisfy the graduation requirement for English credit.

ESOL II
019824                                      1 credit             Grade 10

Prerequisite: ESOL I and parent/guardian approval

This elective course is designed for native speakers of languages other than English who attend the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL) and who need to develop intermediate skills in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing. English Learners (ELs) focus on the expanding social and academic language skills. Emphasis is placed on developing or expanding grammatical structures, reading comprehension, and writing skills as they relate to academic coursework. This course does not satisfy the graduation requirements for English credit.

ADVANCED ESOL
019834                                     1 credit             Grade 11
019844                                      1 credit             Grade 12

Prerequisite: Parent/guardian approval

This elective course is designed for native speakers of languages other than English who attend the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL) and who are developing intermediate and advanced skills in English listening, speaking, reading, and writing. English Learners (ELs) focus on expanding social and academic language skills. Emphasis is placed on developing or expanding grammatical structures, reading comprehension, and writing skills as they relate to academic coursework. This course will also prepare students for post-secondary academic and career success. This course does not satisfy the graduation requirement for English credit.

ESOL LITERACY
019714                                     1 credit             Grade 9

Prerequisite: Parent/guardian approval

This course is designed for English Learners (ELs) whose native or first language is not English and are enrolled in the Newcomer’s Program at the Secondary Academy of International Languages (SAIL). This course builds knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing in English with native language support. This course provides an elective credit. It does not fulfill an English credit towards graduation.