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English as a Second Language in West Bridgewater
When students register for school, they are screened for English proficiency if another language is spoken at home. If it is determined that the student is an ELL: English Language Learner, he or she will receive ESL: English as a Second Language support with Mrs. Quealy.
Some ELLs may have little English skills, while others speak "social" English well. The greatest difficulty for ELLs is often "academic" language. "Social language" is referred to as BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills) and students acquire this language relatively quickly within 1-3 years. On the other hand CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency), or "academic language" can take a student 5-7 years to acquire. For some students who have gaps in their schooling or who struggle with their native language, it can take 7-10 years to acquire "academic language".
ELLs are serviced using both in-class and pull-out support. Mrs. Quealy visits students in their classrooms and works with them on whatever they are learning. Some students also receive services in the ESL classroom. Mrs. Quealy works with students one-on-one or in small groups to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. She also integrates content areas such as math, science and social studies into the ESL curriculum.
Each year, the ELL students participate in the WIDA ACCESS assessments to help determine ESL placement for the following year. Once a student reaches English proficiency, they are exited from the ESL program and will be closely monitored by school faculty for the next two years.
I look forward to working with your child to grow their English proficiency! Mrs. Quealy
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