English Learner (EL) Program Features

Services

Instruction is delivered to English learner students at varying proficiency levels and grade span levels in ACPS through a content-based model where the goal is acquisition of English through the study of content. English learner students learn language and content simultaneously, through the core content courses. They receive direct English language development services from English learner teachers, and their general education teachers are trained on the best practices for English learner students to access the same curriculum that is taught to all students.
A variety of service delivery models, including co-teaching and sheltered instruction, are used according to the needs and resources of students at each school. General education and EL teachers work collaboratively to build student background knowledge, provide comprehensible input, explicitly teach academic language, utilize strategies to increase integration and use of the four language domains, and engage in culturally responsive teaching and learning. Program and service models incorporate co-planning at the team, grade and/or individual teacher level in order to build the capacity of all of our teachers to effectively serve EL students. 
Additionally, at the secondary level, ACPS partners with the Internationals Network for Public Schools to provide an instructional language program designed to meet the unique needs of newcomer immigrant students. A combined model of sheltered and content-based instruction is utilized, incorporating project based learning, structured collaborative planning blocks, and supports tailored to meet students’ social and emotional needs. 
ACPS has dual language immersion program models in five of our schools: John Adams Elementary School, Mount Vernon Community School, Francis C. Hammond Middle School, George Washington Middle School, and Alexandria City High School. The dual language programs  also support EL students’ progress in learning and attaining English and achieving academically.

English Language Proficiency Levels

A description of the levels is available from the EL Office.