ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
Frequently Asked Questions
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE ESL PROGRAM?
The ESL (English As A Second Language) program is for students entering the
Cranford schools who do not speak any English, or who speak, read and write only a limited
amount of English. There are four levels of ESL: Port-of-Entry, which is zero-English;
Beginner; Intermediate; and Advanced.
HOW DOES MY SON OR DAUGHTER GET INTO THE PROGRAM?
The ESL program is open to any student in grade K- 12. Students entering
school whose native language is not English are tested for possible inclusion in the
program. Testing includes speaking, listening, reading and writing components.
WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN IN ESL CLASS?
The ESL program teaches four basic components of acquiring a second
language: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Class size is small, to allow the
curriculmn and instruction to be customized to meet the needs of the students based on
their existing level of English upon entering the program.
Along with learning to listen, speak, read and write in English, students learn many
aspects of American culture! In previous years, ESL students have taken field trips to a
local diner to have their first American Thanksgiving dinner, to the Liberty Science
Center, to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and to the Papermill Playhouse.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE ESL CLASSES?
A student can be in the ESL program from one to three years, depending on
what level he/she entered the program. There is a test students must pass to exit the
program, and we also consider students' progress in other classes and input from the
classroom teacher.
HOW MANY DAYS A WEEK WILL MY CHILD HAVE ESL CLASSES?
ESL class meets every day for a minimum of thirty minutes. A longer class
period is scheduled for students in grades 6 through 12.
HOW DOES ESL RELATE TO THE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM?
The ESL curriculum is separate from what is being taught in the student's
other classes. In ESL the beginning emphasis is on learning basic key vocabulary for
school and everyday use, and learning listening skills. As the student progresses,
reading, writing and grammar skills are taught using a thematic, whole language approach.
WHAT COUNTRIES DO THE ESL STUDENTS IN CRANFORD COME FROM?
Past ESL students have come from such countries as Belarus, Belize, China, Columbia,
France, Ghana, Germany, Greece, India, Kazakhstan, Peru, Russia, and Slovokia.
WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Contact Ms. Sharon Waldman, Cranford Public Schools ESL teacher, by leaving a
message at
908-709-6229, extension 4269. |
