English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses
751131
Foundations of English Language and Literacy (Weight – 1.1) 1.0
credit
This course is a regular education English
course designed to meet the communication and literacy needs of students who
are entering (0-1) or beginning (1.5-2.5) English language learners. Students will develop basic interpersonal
communication skills in English through listening, speaking, reading and
writing components. Students will also develop the beginning
academic language in English for listening, speaking, reading and writing to
help students understand English in content classes. Course content emphasizes conversational
skills, vocabulary development, guided and shared reading with limited
independent reading, basic grammar and writing instruction and culture
studies. Periodic, on-going assessment
and testing is both formal and informal to gauge the student’s acquisition of
language and his/her understanding of English content. A summative final exam is given. Students
must achieve a 2.5 English language proficiency level to advance to the next
course level with teacher approval.
751231
Basic English Language and Literacy (Weight – 1.1) 1.0
credit
This course is a basic level regular
education English course designed to meet the literacy and academic language
needs of students who are high beginning (2.5), developing (3), or beginning
expanding (4) English language learners.
Students will develop and refine intermediate academic communication
skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing and use those skills with
academic content. Course content is
structured to move students toward meeting PA Standards. Emphasis is placed on development of
background knowledge, vocabulary knowledge, grammar, reading comprehension and
writing. Periodic, on-going assessment
and testing is formal and informal to gauge both the student’s continuing
acquisition of language as a reader and writer in English, as well as to
measure student understanding of course content and application of skills. A summative final exam is required. Students must achieve at least a 3.5 English
language proficiency level to advance to the next course level with teacher
approval.
751331
Advanced Academic English Language and Literacy (Weight – 1.1) 1.0 credit
This course is an academic level regular
education English course designed to meet the literacy and academic language
needs of English language learners who are highly expanding (4.0) or bridging (4.5-5.0) in language
acquisition and/or who demonstrate strong literacy skills and performance in
content classes. This course is designed
for college-bound students. Students
will be required to use a high level of academic English in reading, writing,
and speaking through a variety of contexts in order to meet PA Standards and
perform well on the Keystone Literature
Exam. Students will develop high-level
vocabulary knowledge, deepen reading skills and literary analysis, refine their
speaking skills, and meet academic writing requirements for writing, research
writing, and essay writing. Periodic,
on-going assessment and testing is both formal and informal to measure the
student’s ability as a proficient reader and writer in English. A summative final exam is required. Students
must meet all the PA state requirements for exiting ESL in order to move on to
a grade-level English class the following year.
914545 Literature Strategies (Weight –
1.1) 0.5
credits
Literature Strategies
provides English language support specific for intermediate and advanced
English language learners. In addition to language skills, students will work
on study, organization, and learning strategies they can implement in all areas
of study. Students will also receive specific-support time to work on content
area assignments, tests, and projects. Students enrolled in this course must be
part of the English language development program and score at the intermediate
or advanced proficiency level.