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ESOL students receive daily English language instruction from an ESOL teacher. The amount of daily ESOL instruction varies according to the level of English language proficiency with those at the lowest level of English language proficiency receiving the most intervention. Beginning students, ESOL Level 1 and ESOL Level 2, receive two ESOL classes daily. Intermediate Level 3 and Level 4 students and Advanced Level 5 students receive one ESOL class daily. In addition to daily intensive English language instruction, students have many offerings: sheltered courses in such subjects as social studies, math, and science; basic skills classes in reading and math, and pilot courses. They also participate in mainstream classes.
The composition of the student population in each ESOL level is usually multi-grade and heterogeneous. ESOL classes provide structured instruction in the acquisition of the English language with specific emphasis on the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that are prerequisite for success in a rigorous academic environment. Instructional goals for ESOL classes are based on the development of language proficiency within the context of an English/language arts curriculum. Students develop competency in understanding spoken English, using grammatically correct English to express social and academic needs and in organizing and clearly expressing their ideas in written English. Students explore an understanding of the human experience from a multicultural perspective as they develop reading and writing skills. Students are exposed to developmentally appropriate texts representing the genres of narration, poetry, drama and exposition. As students become more fluent with spoken and written English, they are also taught to analyze text from an historical and cultural perspective and develop critical reading and thinking skills. ESOL instruction helps students develop readiness to prepare for local, state and national assessments.
The high school ESOL curriculum is in the process of being rewritten based on the MCPS ESOL Framework. This framework is aligned with the MSDE English Language Proficiency Standards and with the English Language Arts Voluntary State Curriculum. The ESOL Level 5 curriculum is currently in development.
Then, back mapping, ESOL level 4, ESOL Level 3, ESOL Level 2 and ESOL Level 1 will be revised.
Unlike the English /Language Arts Curriculum however, the ESOL curriculum is based on levels of language proficiency rather than grade level. The most current research on second-language learning and acquisition identifies some general principles that are the pillars of this curriculum:
- Language is functional and it is best acquired through meaningful use and interaction;
- Language learning is culture-based, and therefore it follows that the teaching of culture must include the values, norms, and beliefs appropriate to the language;
- Language learning is an on-going process. It is affected by the background of each student and progresses at varying rates;
- Language processes (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) develop interdependently. Students need learning environments that provide opportunities to practice and develop these skills.
The HS ESOL curriculum is standards-based and provides access to and connections with background knowledge with four unit themes. Included are lessons that are designed to develop language and critical literacy as well as activities that teach and reinforce all four language acquisition skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The incorporation of both literary and expository text provides for extended language development through the use of authentic, unabridged materials. Vocabulary development is an integral part of the ESOL program. All of the language focus activities are designed to provide ample opportunities to practice language structures in conjunction with the content.
ESOL Level 1-Beginners
Four Units: Beginnings, Individuality, Plans & Careers, Reflections
ESOL Level 2- High Beginners-Low Intermediate
Four Units: Identity, Adventure, Family, Courage
ESOL Level 3- Intermediate
Four Units: Conflict, Communications, Choices, Change
ESOL Level 4-High Intermediate-Advanced
Four Units: Expression, Order, Relationships, Imagination
ESOL Level 5- Advanced
Four Units: Culture, Justice, Decisions, Transitions
Academic Language:
This course was developed in order to expose middle and high school newcomers to the challenging academic language commonly used in a variety of content subject areas. The primary focus of the course, however, is not to teach content, but to instruct students how to successfully communicate and use language when in content classes. Throughout the year, students will expand their academic language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening through the following content areas: math, science, and social studies.
ESOL Advanced Communication:
This course is designed to provide ESOL level 3, 4, and 5 students with extended practice in the development of oral and written communication skills. Clarity and precision of pronunciation and intonation are developed and assessed during oral presentations. Fluency and accuracy of writing is developed through structured presentation and practice of narrative and expository writing. Students are required to prepare several oral presentations and write multi-paragraph essays.
ESOL Multimedia Arts Literacy (EMAL):
This course is designed to provide upper-level ESOL students with specialized visual and literacy instruction aligned with ESOL and English Voluntary State curricula. This project-based course emphasizes development of essay writing coordinated with multimedia products. The focus on critical thinking, reading, writing, listening and viewing skills provides structured practice in visual and written interpretation.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Prep:
This course is designed to improve student achievement on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), an assessment of an English language learner’s English proficiency to qualify for college admission. Students learn the format of the TOEFL and develop test-taking skills by taking released versions of the test under simulated test conditions. Continued practice of oral and academic English language proficiency is provided as students learn a variety of strategies for improving reading and writing skills.
 ESOL Course Codes
Secondary ESOL Centers
Resource Teachers
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