Addison Trail English Learners (EL) Department

The English Learners (EL) program consists of a complementary English and Reading course with teacher teams at beginning, intermediate, and advanced language levels. Level 1 is a three-period program and focuses on intensive English instruction for students whose basic interpersonal language skills and cognitive academic language proficiency is at a beginning stage. There is an emphasis on oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing production skills. Intermediate or Level 2 is a two-period program that offers continuing English instruction for students whose language proficiency make it difficult to succeed in classes with English instruction. This level offers content support, as well as the further development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. Advanced or Level 3 is a two-period program for students whose interpersonal and academic language skills are approaching those of native speakers. The skill emphasis is on continued content support and the transition from EL into the core program. Placement or promotion for all program levels is based on national ACCESS and district GRADE scores. Additional academic support is offered through bilingual/sheltered content courses and the Learning Support Center. Both supports also offer native language assistance.