EL education takes a unique and innovative approach to instruction, student learning, and overall school improvement. We all know that many schools are flawed, but as the education system continues to fail certain students and certain types of students, EL education is filling in the gaps and making positive changes. English learning programs engage students in new and unique ways to keep them focused on their studies and growing in self-confidence, self-motivation, and self-discipline. Those who teach EL learning are inspired, encouraged, and equipped to provide the best education to all students who cross their paths, and this is bringing about significant improvements and great changes in education.
English Learning Program
English learning (EL) programs are different from English as a Second Language (ESOL) programs. Generally, ESOL students know very little English, if any, and they are pulled from their regular classes to receive specialized instruction from a trained and certified ESOL instructor. These programs are part of many schools’ curriculums and they are usually federally funded. EL programs focus on English Language Learners (ELLs) who usually have a better grasp of the English language but may still struggle to understand everything that’s being taught in English. They are developing English language skills but are not yet considered proficient. Rather than pull ELLs out of their normal classes, English learning programs seek to accommodate their needs within traditional classrooms.
EL curriculums will vary based on the schools they exist in. Generally speaking, there are a few major components of EL learning that all EL students will benefit from. EL learning is active, challenging, meaningful, public, and collaborative. English learning programs also create a positive school culture and purposeful instruction and learning. EL learning is facilitated by great teachers who are passionate, creative, and highly trained, and each English learning programs sets high standards and expectations for their EL students.
High school students who are enrolled in English learning programs are more likely to be successful both in school and beyond graduation than their non-EL counterparts. Scores from 2016 standardized testing show that EL students outperformed their district peers by 10% in math and 11% in English, with even larger gaps among certain races. EL students in high school are given incredible opportunities to work with professionals in their fields of interest, such as historians, scientists, artists, mathematicians, and writers. They get to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways and benefit from their learning environments. High school students within English learning programs are also more likely to go to college, as 100% college acceptance is the standard for these programs. They are prepared during their time in EL learning to demonstrate proficiency in all academics, incredible critical thinking skills, and impressive problem-solving capabilities, all of which contribute to their success in college and beyond.
If you are an English Language Learner and are looking for EL courses, San Diego Virtual School is a great option. Not only is the San Diego Virtual School curriculum EL friendly, but you are able to work from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule to complete your coursework and finish your classes. Prospective students should contact us right away to learn about EL learning programs and how to begin your online education today.