English Language Learners

Our Beliefs & Philosophy

School District of Jefferson Beliefs 

• All students have the right to a relevant, challenging, and innovative education that expands opportunities.
• All people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity in a safe environment.
• Our learning community needs to provide the tools for all students to be successful.
• Our impact as a school district is enhanced by family engagement and community partnerships.
• Active community involvement builds positive relationships, trust, and commitment.
• All members of the learning community have the responsibility for developing academically, socially, and behaviorally responsible citizens.
• Meeting and engaging the diverse needs of students today empowers them to find their passion and potential

What is our Goal? 

Our goal is to serve students who are Multilingual Learners (MLs) to become proficient in academic English to better prepare them for college and career.

If ML students are receiving well-developed English language instruction that emphasizes active language learning, provides equal opportunities to learn as their grade-level peers, then students will progress effectively, have a growth mindset, and be English language proficient in a timely manner, which allows them to perform as well as their grade-level peers on English language content once they exit the program.

Who are ML (Multilingual Learner) Students?

ML students are students whose first language is a language other than English and/or hear or use a language other than English more than 50% of the time at home. Students are identified through the home language survey and WIDA screening measures. 

Program Model

At all grade levels, SDoJ uses a blended ESL approach of Content-based ESL, Sheltered Instruction, and English as a second language (ESL) instruction. 

• Integrated ESL - English Language Development is facilitated through an EL educator’s or EL educator supported paraprofessional pushes into the general education setting. The EL teacher or paraprofessional may be supporting ELs during a mini-lesson or wait for instruction to be complete before working in a small group with ELs. Teachers may be supported in language proficiency development.
• Newcomer ESL - Newcomer programs are generally stand-alone learning environments designed to meet the socio-cultural, language, and academic needs of newly arrived immigrants. These programs prepare newcomers with readiness to transition to regular LIEPs.
• Content-based ESL - Instruction in which content is used as the medium for building English Language skills, the primary focus remains on learning English.- ESL-certified teacher provides language instruction that uses content as a medium for building language skills. Although using content as a means, instruction is still focused primarily on learning English. 
• ESL- Integrated SPED - ELs with IEPs should be served within all LIEP environments. This category is ELs with significant cognitive disabilities.

The WIDA Standards

WIDA has established language development standards for English and Spanish. These standards represent the language students need to be successful in grades K-12.

The first standard, Social and Instructional Language, reflects the ways in which students interact socially to build community and establish working relationships with peers and teachers in ways that support learning.

The remaining four standards present ways multilingual learners can communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

WIDA provides a variety of resources that help you understand how to use standards. For example, in the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition and WIDA Spanish Language Development Standards guides, WIDA provides examples of each standard within a classroom context and makes explicit connections to content standards.

ACCESS for ELLs

Federal and state laws require that students identified as English Learners (ELs) be assessed annually to determine their level of English language proficiency (ELP) and ensure that they are progressing in achieving full English proficiency. Most ELs will take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment annually. Please see this ACCESS for ELLs® for more information.

Meet the Staff

West Elementary

East Elementary

Jefferson Middle School

Jefferson High School

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