The mission of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program is to assure that English language learners (ELLs) receive a high quality education from qualified and caring professionals, the results of which are academic and social success.
The Columbus City Schools recognizes the need for English language learners to have both oral and written skills in order to function successfully in mainstream American society. The ability to speak and understand English is, by itself, insufficient for effective progression in school. Proficiency in reading and writing is critical to students' academic achievement and comprehension of content material in all subjects.
ESL is a multi-faceted program offering English language classes and content-area assistance to limited English proficient (LEP) students enrolled in the Columbus City Schools.
The goal of the ESL Program is for students to acquire a level of English language proficiency that enables them to meet grade level promotion requirements, state-mandated graduation requirements, and, ultimately, to compete successfully in mainstream society.
The Columbus City Schools ESL program provides the following for its staff and students:
- A curriculum that allows for the development and integration of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Tutorial assistance in content area subjects
- An environment that fosters pride in native culture, establishes positive self-esteem, and facilitates acculturation into American society
- Bilingual personnel who act as a liaison between the home, school, and community
- Assistance to ESL and regular classroom teachers in best practices for working with students from diverse language and cultural backgrounds
