English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a state funded instructional program for eligible English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades K-12. The ESOL program is for any non-proficient English speaker from any nationality. It assists in transitioning from a discrete skills curriculum to a standards- based curriculum emphasizing language proficiency. The program's overarching standard is that students will use English to communicate and demonstrate academic, social, and cultural understanding. To reach this standard, it is critical that instructional approaches, both in ESOL and general education classes, accomodate the needs of Georgia's linguistically and culturally diverse student and parent populations. To the extent practical, it is appropriate to use the home language as a means of facilitating instruction for English language learners and communication with their parents.
The purpose of the ESOL(English of Speaker of Other Languages) program is to assist limited English proficient students to develop proficiency in the English language, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, sufficient to perform effectively at the currently assigned grade level. The McDuffie County School System follows the state board rules and regulations regarding eligibility criteria, standards and exit criteria.
Once a child has been identified as eligible for language assistance, the parent must be notified annually of the following in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practicable in a language that the parent can understand:
The purpose of the ESOL(English of Speaker of Other Languages) program is to assist limited English proficient students to develop proficiency in the English language, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, sufficient to perform effectively at the currently assigned grade level. The McDuffie County School System follows the state board rules and regulations regarding eligibility criteria, standards and exit criteria.
Once a child has been identified as eligible for language assistance, the parent must be notified annually of the following in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practicable in a language that the parent can understand:
- eligibility for language assistance services
- student’s level of proficiency and how it was assessed
- method of delivery of instruction for language assistance
- how program will help the child learn English and meet age appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation
- specific requirements for exiting the program
- information pertaining to parental rights
- notification of services must be sent to parents on an annual basis
- all notifications sent to parents must be in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practicable, in a language that the parent can understand
Some parents of students identified as ELs may choose to waive language assistance services for their child; however, school districts are still held responsible for providing language support outside of the ESOL program.