Speak a Language Other Than English?
If your child speaks a language other than English or if you are interested in the District’s Bilingual/Dual-Language Program (including ESOL and LEAP), call the Language Assessment & Placement Center, 242 West Main Street, at 324-3220. A language specialist will help determine the program that will best meet your child’s language needs.
About Bilingual Education
The District’s Bilingual Education Program helps students develop proficiency in their native language while also teaching them English. The goal is for students to gain proficiency in English without losing proficiency in their primary language.
Seven elementary schools offer Bilingual Education programs: Schools No. 9, 12, 17, 22, 28, 33, and 35. Three also offer bilingual pre-kindergarten: Schools No. 9, 17, and 33. Bilingual Education, including a Bilingual Newcomers program for students new to the United States, is offered at Monroe High School through its Language Academy.
There are two instructional models in Bilingual Education:
- The Developmental Bilingual Model provides instruction in the core subjects (English language arts, math, science, social studies) in students’ native language while they learn English. As students become fluent in English, they move to all-English classes.
This model is offered at Schools No. 9, 17, 22, 28, 35, and Monroe.
- The Dual-Language Model provides instruction in which students learn to speak, read, and write two languages. Students from two language groups—English and Spanish—share the classroom, developing skills in both languages from grade to grade.
This model is offered at Schools No. 12, 33, and Monroe.
Both models promote bilingualism and biliteracy skills, positive cultural understanding, and strong academic development.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
ESOL services support the development of academic proficiency in English for those whose native language is not English and for those who score below state standards on English language tests. All students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) or English Language Learners (ELL) receive ESOL services.
Learning English through Academic Program (LEAP)
LEAP supports the development of English language skills, literacy, and academic skills among students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP). Concepts and skills appropriate to each grade level and content area are adapted so they are accessible to students who are learning English and who speak another language. LEAP is offered at Schools No. 5, 14, 15, 50, and Jefferson High School. The LEAP Newcomers program for students new to the United States is offered at Jefferson.
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