Overview of Program

MMSD offers a variety of services for students who are English language learners. These programs vary according to student's linguistic and academic abilities, school resources and community demographics.

Instruction in the General Education Classroom with ESL and Bilingual Support

This type of service delivery is offered to students who are English language learners at all grade levels and at varying levels of English language development. Assistance may be offered in specific content areas or in instructional areas, such as literacy. This support is provided in a general education setting by an English as a Second Language (ESL) certified teacher or a Bilingual Resource Teacher (BRT) certified in bilingual education in collaboration with the general education teacher. Primary language support can be provided by a BRT or a Bilingual Resource Specialist (BRS). This support helps students access grade level the content, skills, vocabulary and academic language to be successful in school.

ESL Newcomer Services

Newcomer services are designed for students who are new to the United States and are at a beginning/preproduction level of English proficiency. Newcomer services are designed to serve students from a variety of language and cultural backgrounds. Newcomer services give students the English skills necessary to function in a new school, community and country. This service acculturates students to a new educational system and language. Students participate in a newcomer class for a limited time and eventually move to different types of ESL and/or bilingual support.

ESL Academic Content Class

These content-based ESL classes, in which all students are English language learners, are taught by ESL certified teachers. ESL academic content classes' goals are to increase English language skills and to prepare students for general education classes. Teachers use modifications and teaching strategies that facilitate access to the academic content, while also working on language goals with students. Teachers adjust the level and quantity of English so that students can access the grade level curriculum. Specific attention is also given to teaching the strategies and language that students will need before transitioning to general education classes. Content-based classes occur mainly at the secondary level.

Monitoring/Consulting

Prior to officially exiting from ESL and bilingual education programs, students are monitored for 2 years. Monitor status students have tested at an advanced English proficiency level and are fully integrated into the general education curriculum. During this time, the ESL and bilingual teachers check-in with the general education teachers to see how the student is achieving in academics. ESL and bilingual staff are also available for consultation to educate general education teachers on strategies for teaching English language learners. After 2 years of monitoring with successful academic success, the student can be officially exited from ELL programming and no longer needs yearly English proficiency testing. 

Schools with ESL Services

Note: Clicking on the school name will take you directly to the school's web site.

Elementary Schools
Allis
Chavez
Crestwood
Emerson
Falk
Franklin
Glendale
Gompers
Hawthorne
Huegel
Lake View
Leopold
Lincoln
Lindbergh
Lowell
Midvale
Muir
Orchard Ridge
Randall
Sandburg
Schenk
Shorewood
Stephens
Thoreau
Van Hise
Middle Schools
Blackhawk
Cherokee
Hamilton
Jefferson
O'Keeffe
Sennett
Sherman
Toki
Whitehorse
Wright
High Schools
East
LaFollette
Memorial
West
Alternative Affiliatives

**Students who qualify for ESL services can transfer to an ESL and bilingual education center school.

Return to ESL/Bilingual Education Home Page


Return to MMSD home page
Return to Department of Educational Services home page

Editor and Publisher: Terri Regner tregner@madison.k12.wi.us
Webmaster: webmaster@madison.k12.wi.us
To offer comments or feedback, please click here: ideacomm@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Updated:  March 19, 2007