ESOL

What is ESOL?

ESOL stands for "English to Speakers of Other Languages".

The ESOL program provides English language development for multilingual students who qualify for the program. Students are provided instruction in the domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing within the content areas of English Language Arts, Math, Science or Social Studies. These services are based on a student's English proficiency level and provided through sheltered, push-in, or innovative models of instruction. 

How did my child qualify for ESOL?

When registering a student in Marietta City Schools, a home language survey is completed that indicates the language or languages spoken at home by student. As a result, an ESOL teacher determines if the student will be screened using the WIDA screener language assessment. The student's score on the WIDA screener determines placement into the ESOL program.

How can my child exit ESOL?

During the spring, ESOL students participate in the WIDA ACCESS language assessment. The WIDA ACCESS tests student's language abilities within the four domains of listening, reading, writing, and speaking using content area topics. The language domain scores combine into a composite score (CPL).

If a student obtains an overall composite score of 5.0, they will automatically exit the ESOL program because they no longer require ESOL services. If the student obtains an overall composite score between a 4.3 through 4.9, then the student's teachers meet with administration to determine if the student should be reclassified.

If a student is reclassified, this means that the student has achieved enough English proficiency to exit the ESOL program. If during the meetings the teachers and administration determine the student is not yet fully proficient in English and is still in need of ESOL services, then the student will not be reclassified and will not exit the ESOL program.

How can I help my child?

• Encourage their multilingual language abilities.
• Make sure your child is completing their school work by asking them about it, checking homework, and checking Aspen weekly for class progress
• Make sure your child is getting enough sleep at night.
• Participate in school programs and events.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences and school-wide parent nights.
• Contact your child’s teacher with any questions.
• Become an active member of the PTA.