English Language Development

Our English learners are the primary growing demographic in PPS today. We need to think about ways to best serve their needs and continue to serve this group the best way we can.

Definitions:
ELD: English Language Development - this is how we refer to our specialized supports for our students learning English
ELL: English Language Learners - this is how we refer to the students themselves who are learning English as a secondary language

Regional ELD-focused School
We propose having one ELD focused school in each region, for each grade configuration level (Elementary, Middle, and High school). These would offer slightly higher support structures in place for our ELL students. Ideally, these schools would be located in areas of the city with higher concentrations of ELL students for ease of access/transportation.

ELD supports in all Schools
ELD supports will be available in all schools, for any student who needs them. Itinerant ELD staff will serve the needs of ELD students who elect not to choose the ELD focused school. Additional specific support can be offered during the Development Period, as well as general supports throughout the entire school day.

Newcomer Academy
Incoming ELL students will continue to be assessed on their English proficiency using the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Framework) that assigns students a number (1-6) which correlates to their current English skillset. Students that score 3 and lower have much higher english learning needs.

Age is a key determinant of how to best assist and support these english learners. Studies show that at the elementary school level, students do best with in-classroom english immersion with additional support to the general education curriculum. The content they are learning at the elementary school level combined with the way that one learns at that age make general education learning the best path for these students.

At grade 6 and above, academic content coupled with lower English proficiency often leads to poorer academic outcomes.

Our proposal relies on developing a Newcomer Academy. The newcomer academy would provide intensive ELL instruction for students in grades 6-12 who are registering lower English proficiency. The goal is to focus on the development of English language skills enough to enter into general education and curriculum, making the ELD in school supports more effective.

Most of our newcomers with low levels of English proficiency may also be experiencing and handling a lot of life changes as well. They may be experiencing refugeeism, trauma, and have other acute needs. A Newcomer academy can act as a natural place for the district, city and county to provide wrap around services for students and families. We can help address english learning needs for the family, food insecurity, trauma therapy, and so much more.

The Newcomer Academy offers a better way to support the needs of our largest growing population in PPS and create a meaningful and successful path forward.

Accessibility
Our application process is simple and easy for non-native speakers to gain access to and understand their available options in PPS. We are able to translate the admission page into various languages to ensure that our ELL students (and all students) are being given equal access to all the great options, programs, and services that PPS has to offer.