Chittenden Central Supervisory Union

English Language Learning

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE PROGRAM

Chittenden Central Supervisory Union is committed to ensuring that all educational programs meet the diverse needs of all students.  Students who are English Language Learners (ELL’s) in grades K-12 are provided with a comprehensive English as a Second Language (ESL) Program that is staffed by highly qualified ESL teachers. These teachers focus on meeting the needs of all students in the program in two areas: becoming proficient in the English language and adjusting to the school and community culture.

In order to develop language proficiency, students are provided with frequent, varied, and diverse opportunities to develop skills in four areas of communication: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. These opportunities are designed to promote greater success in the classroom in multiple academic areas. Cultural adjustment is also an important aspect of responsive ESL programming. Students are encouraged to share their cultural backgrounds as they explore similarities and differences with American and local culture. The richness of a multicultural society is warmly communicated to all our ESL students and their families through the ESL program.