English Learner Programs
Multilingual Scholar Programming (English Learner Programming)
FOSTERING MULTILINGUALISM
All of our multilingual scholars, specifically those identified as English Learners (EL), receive ELD in two ways: special classes for English language development (Designated ELD) and support from all teachers during all other classes (Integrated ELD). Additionally, we have Newcomer Pathway to provide specialized support for those that are new to the country. Ultimately, we at San Leandro High School aim to foster our scholars’ sense of pride and empowerment around being multilingual, and to create opportunities for them to earn the California Seal of Biliteracy.
INTEGRATED ELD
All SLHS teachers are trained to support English Learners. Some classes have small groups of English Learners. Teachers explicitly teach the language needed to read, write and speak in their classes. These courses are taught by certified content area teachers. EL Para Educators are included in many of these courses for additional support.
DESIGNATED ELD
There are a variety of scaffolds considered and implemented for our multilingual scholars.
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All multilingual scholars who are identified as “English Learners” (EL) are enrolled in a designated ELD class that is appropriate to their English Language skill level, as identified through informal and formal assessments. The ELD course supports the development of English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. (See “Newcomer Pathway” information below for more options for support for newcomers.)
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All multilingual scholars who are identified as “Long-Term English Learners” (LTEL) and have not YET reclassified take Oral Interpretation as a designated ELD course. This course supports scholars with engaging in academic discourse through speech and debate, and it focuses on developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills at a more rigorous level. If you would like to learn more about this course, you can review our Oral Interpretation course introduction video here.
All designated ELD courses are designed to prepare scholars with making progress in the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), which all EL/LTEL scholars engage with annually.
NEWCOMER PATHWAY
All students that are 3 or less years in the US and are emerging bilingual students (level 1 or 2 on ELPAC) are eligible to join our Newcomer Pathway. This Pathway is designed to provide a supportive environment, while also giving students access to essential classes and credits they will need to graduate and enroll in college.
If a student is eligible and the parent or guardian chooses to enroll the student in the pathway, students will attend A-G classes in core subject matter areas where sufficient numbers of newcomer students are available to fill the class. For the 2021-2022 school year, we were able to offer a Designated ELD Course, an English class, and an Algebra class with other Newcomers, and we will continue to expand our course offerings from year-to-year. These classes will be taught to ensure that students are getting the support they need while accelerating their language development.
Please contact us if you believe that your student is eligible, or you would like more information.
PARENT RIGHTS
You have a right to decline English Learner support services. Please reach out to the school administrators or counselors to request an opt-out form.
Please be aware that, even upon opting out of designated ELD courses, your student will still be required to take the ELPAC every year until your student is able to reclassify.