English as a Second Language (ESL) is a support system for
native Spanish students. The Amigos School model provides for both “in
class” and “pull out” support. Upon entering the Amigos School, ESL
students are evaluated and assigned a “Lau Score” which measures
students English language competency levels. Classroom work, homework,
and special projects are overseen by the ESL teacher in conjunction with
the classroom teacher.
Students
are provided with strategies that support listening, speaking, reading,
and writing through the content areas. ESL support involves vocabulary
building and strategies for remembering and practicing new words.
Students are asked to draw words, sing about them and even dramatize the
vocabulary words. Students and teachers practice conversations by
incorporating student interests into storytelling. Making connections
with an ESL student’s background and interests helps students connect to
learning and build self-awareness and language skills, while also
preserving their cultural identity. Teachers gently correct students’
grammatical errors and provide pronunciation help as needed. ESL
teachers work with the classroom teachers, specialists and often the
students’ families to coordinate learning plans and optimize support.