ESL PARENT ORIENTATION AGENDA Welcome Introductions Greetings ESL

ESL PARENT ORIENTATION AGENDA • • • Welcome Introductions Greetings ESL Program Questions Tour

Student Entrance • Completion of home language survey. • ESL evaluation when … First language learned is not English. The student speaks another language. Another language is spoken in the home.

Student Assessment • Kindergarten Speaking and Listening • First through Fifth Grade Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing • Levels Entering – Needs pictures, says words, phrases Beginning – Phrases, short sentences Developing – Expanded sentences, some errors Expanding – Variety of sentence lengths Bridging – Writes like proficient English peers

ESL Program Goals • To use English to communicate in school and social settings. • To use English to achieve academically in all content areas. • To use English in socially and culturally appropriate ways.

Instruction • Where: ESL room and regular classroom • When : 3 to 5 days per week 30 or more minutes (depending on the need) • How : Individuals and small groups Thematic Units Cooperative Learning • What : Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking • Resources: Books, News, Technology, Puppets, Songs, Games, Plays

Assessment • Formal 4 ESL Progress Reports District Assessments Pennsylvania State Standards Assessment WIDA state assessment Portfolios • Informal Conferences Observations Daily Anecdotes Self and Peer Evaluations

Exiting Students • Required: Proficient on WIDA assessment – Score 5. 1 -6 Basic on PSSA (Grade 3, 8, 11) If no PSSA available, then both optional criteria must be met. • Optional Final grades of C or better in 4 content areas: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science or Scores on district-wide assessments comparable to Basic on PSSA • Reading and Comprehending on grade level • Writing proficiently at grade level • Teacher Recommendations Functioning in all content areas

Monitoring Exited Students • When: 4 times per year 2 consecutive years • How Teacher’s comments Student’s grades District Assessments Portfolio samples Conferencing with the student

Supporting Students • • • Some translated forms Free or reduced-priced lunches ( must qualify) Guidance Counseling Speech Instructional Support Teacher Learning Support Classes Reading Assistants Math Assistants • Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Adaptive Physical Education

Extra Curricular Activities • Chorus • Band • Orchestra

You are your child’s most important teacher. ü Check assignment books and backpacks. ü Complete and return forms promptly. ü Schedule a routine time for reading and homework. ü Contact teachers with questions and concerns. ü Attend conferences.

Additional Assistance • Casa Guadalupe Center 143 Linden St. Allentown, Pa. 610 -435 -9902 • Hispanic American Organization 136 S. 4 th St. Allentown, Pa. 610 -435 -5334 • Lehigh Carbon Comm. College 718 Hamilton Mall Allentown, Pa. 610 -776 -1998

Thank you for coming. Please feel free to call me with any questions. Mrs. Patrice Helfrich Alburtis Elementary: 610 -965 -1633