English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Components

Screening and assessment procedures:
If a native language other than English is recorded on the application, the student is identified as a non-native English speaker. The Director of Student Services screens relevant documents and arranges for assessment.

• Intake assessment
• Review of prior school records
• Interview
• Woodcock Munoz Language Survey
• Ballard & Tighe Idea Proficiency Test assessments IDEA-IPT

Placement:
Based on the results of the screening and assessments, students are assigned to one, two, or three blocks of ESL instruction. Basic ESL and Post- Graduate classes do not earn high school credit.

Curriculum and Instruction:
The ESL program uses a curriculum which blends sheltered instruction and High Intensity Language Training (HILT)¹. Because it provides the most productive language learning experience in the shortest possible time, the HILT approach is best for the intermediate to advanced level English language learner.

Middle School students use the High Point Series: Levels Basic, A, B, and C. Students are placed in the appropriate level on the basis of initial screening and assessment. Additional supplemental materials based on individual student need are provided to expand instruction in reading, comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. As students advance to intermediate-level English, additional content-specific language and academic instruction is provided.

High School students use the High Point Series and the Interchange Series: Levels 1, 2, and 3. Upon successful completion of Level 3, students are assigned to ESL Literature and Writing as a final course prior to exiting ESL to the college preparatory program full time. Only ESL Literature and Writing earns high school credit. Students are placed in the appropriate level on the basis of initial screening and assessment. Additional supplemental materials based on individual student need are provided to expand instruction in reading, comprehension, writing, listening, and speaking. As students advance to intermediate English, additional content-specific language and academic instruction is provided.

Ongoing Assessment:
Progress and Quarter Grades: Teachers formally assess student progress in mastery and growth eight times per year; four quarter mid-term progress reports and four quarter final grade reports. Grades for all ESL courses will be recorded on the student’s transcript but do not earn high school credit and are not calculated into the student’s GPA.

End-of-level assessments are used to assist teachers in gauging growth and development of language proficiency.

Program Exit Process:
Students exit the ESL program and are enrolled in the mainstream college preparatory curriculum on the basis of the following:

• Successful completion and passing grade for ESL Literature and Writing
• IPT assessment
• Progress and Quarter grade reports
• Teacher recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the ESL program?
Students must be enrolled in the school’s ESL program if English is not their native language and if their English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, or writing are two or more years below that of their grade level. English proficiency is based on standardized assessments in oral/aural skills, reading and writing; prior academic records; and personal interviews. There is a tuition surcharge for the ESL program.

Why is there a tuition surcharge?
A tuition surcharge pays for the specialized teacher, extra program resources, and array of instructional materials used by second language learner as s/he progresses through the stages of language development. Age-appropriate English language acquisition is prerequisite to enrolling in the mainstream college preparatory courses.

When can students transition from ESL to mainstream content courses?
Age-appropriate knowledge and understanding of the English language is a prerequisite to enrolling in mainstream college preparatory coursework. ESL students may be enrolled in mainstream classes once they demonstrate through assessments a skills proficiency level at least two years of the standards of the targeted grade-level content class.

How long will it take an ESL student to graduate from Heritage Academy?
Any student who earns 25 credits in core academics and electives of the Heritage Academy four-year high school college preparatory program and maintains a grade point average of 2.0 will be issued a high school diploma. Depending on the year of enrollment, most ESL students require more than four years to earn a high school diploma.

¹Source: McKeon, D. (1987), ERIC Clearinghouse, ED 289360, Washington DC.