ESL

Troy High School ESL Program

English Language Learners (ELLs) receive a broad spectrum of specialized services based on their individual needs. These services include language development classes at beginner and intermediate levels, sheltered content instruction, and content area tutoring both in and out of the classroom.

Initial Placement
Testing and potential placement in the ESL program is based on the Home Language Survey portion of the Troy School District registration form. If the parent of a new enrollee indicates that the student’s native or home language is other than English, the student will be assessed within 10 school days to determine eligibility in the ESL program. The assessment tool will be either the Michigan ELPA (English Language Proficiency Assessment) Screener or the complete Michigan ELPA, depending on availability. Students scoring lower than Level 5 (Advanced Proficient) will be eligible for ESL services. Parents will be notified of the student’s eligibility and given the opportunity to accept or refuse ESL assistance.

ESL (Language Arts) Classes
Recent arrivals to the U.S. and students who score in the levels 1-3 on the ELPA may be placed in special classes to further develop English language proficiency. These classes replace the Language Arts class for the ELL and target the special needs of the non-native speaker in the four skills of listening, speaking reading and writing.

Students enrolled in the semester courses ESL 1 or 2 will receive elective credit. They are guided through the important stages of initial language learning and assisted with adjustment to their new culture, community, and academic surroundings.

Students enrolled in the year- long ESL Intermediate will earn 9th grade English credit. This class mirrors 9th Grade Basic English, but offers special materials and instruction that help ELLs gain the necessary grammar and vocabulary to meet grade level expectations.

The ESL coordinator and counselor determine placement in ESL (Language Arts) Classes.

LS (Language Support) Sheltered Content Classes
Recent arrivals to the U.S. and students who score in the levels 1-3 on the ELPA may be placed in special content area classes that are based on the Troy School District general education curriculum for the specific subject. Students earn credit in the subject area. All necessary content is covered for each subject offered, but students receive added language support and use materials adjusted to their reading level. A teacher certified in the content area with the assistance of an ESL para-professional teaches each class.

Classes are offered on a rotating basis in most required areas. Please check a current schedule to determine availability. ESL courses include: LS World History, LS American History, LS Physics, LS Biology, LS Health, LS Government/ Civics, and LS Economics.

The ESL coordinator and counselor determine placement in LS Sheltered Content classes.

Continued Eligibility or Exit from the ESL Program
Students are assessed on a yearly basis in all four-skill areas as required by state law. If ELPA testing determines that a student has not reached the Advanced Proficient level, he or she will remain in the ESL Program. Students who reach the Advanced Proficient level are exited from services, but are monitored for a two-year period to ensure that adequate progress in English and success in the classroom continues.