English as a Second Language (ESL)

  • Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP)


    Pennsylvania School Code (22 PA. Code §4.26) states: “Every school district shall provide a program for each student whose dominant language is not English for the purpose of facilitating the student's achievement of English proficiency and the academic standards under § 4.12 (relating to academic standards). Programs under this section shall include appropriate bilingual-bicultural or English as a second language (ESL) instruction".

    There are many program models from which a school or district may choose. PDE does not endorse one particular model over another. However, the program model each district chooses must meet the following criteria:

    • be aligned to state academic content standards for the appropriate grade level of the ELs;
      include ELD instruction delivered by properly certified teachers who hold an ESL program specialist certificate or who are working in conjunction with ESL certified teachers;
      incorporate the use of the PA ELDS;
    • provide equitable access to content for ELs at all language proficiency levels by providing research-based bilingual or sheltered instruction with fidelity;
    • and not limit the enrollment of ELs in any course or academic program for which they would otherwise be eligible.

    PDE has identified six specific ESL program models:

    Mixed Class Bilingual
    EL Bilingual
    EL Specific Transitional Instruction
    Mixed Classes with Native Language Support
    EL Specific English Only Instruction
    Mixed Classes with English Only Support
     
    The Kutztown Area School District uses the Mixed Classes with English Only Support Instruction model of instruction. For specific questions on the scheduling of each student and ways in which the program model or models are implemented should be directed to the ESL teacher for your students.

    All potential students are those whose home language survey information states a language other than English is spoken in the home. Students are initially tested to determine appropriate placement within the program of study. Students are evaluated by several criteria including, placement testing, interviewing, and past and present school performance. 

    ESL students are given the annual state exam, WIDA, which is administered in January-February.

    Program Goals

    • To improve competency in comprehending oral and written English
    • To develop learning strategies
    • To integrate language, cognitive, and academic instruction to enable students to develop English proficiency and content area skills
    • To orient students and parents/guardians to American culture
    • To promote pride in students' native cultures 
    • To promote the acculturation and instruction of ESL students by all district staff


    Contact information:
    Melissa Devlin
    ESL Coordinator
    mdevlin@kasd.org