Program Goals

The primary goal of the Gresham Barlow School District English Language Learner (ELL) Program is to assist students in becoming fully proficient in English. This includes reaching fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A secondary goal is to ensure students access grade-level instruction and demonstrate academic achievement in English language arts, mathematics, and science as measured by Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA), succeed academically and graduate on time college and career ready.

English language development (ELD) instruction

Elementary (Kindergarten to 5th grade)
Students in kindergarten to 5th grade receive English language development instruction for 30 minutes a day 4 to 5 times a week. Instruction is delivered in English in the areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Participating students are able to participate in all grade level core instruction as well as ELD.

The five elementary schools with the largest population of English learners provide language support for all students in the early grades (Kindergarten, 1st & some 2nd). At these schools, students move between classes based on language proficiency levels in order to build and strengthen academic language for all. Language instruction is based on Oregon’s English language proficiency and ELA standards. Materials used include Systematic ELD units, instruction based on our language arts reading adoption and program, and other resources based on student language needs.

Middle and High School (6th to 12th grade)
Students in middle and high school have a separate class period for English language development. At this level, instruction has a greater focus on reading and writing and developing high-level academic language.

At the middle school level students who are nearing English proficiency (as measured by ELPA) may receive their language support via an AVID Excel course.  The goal of AVID Excel is to accelerate academic language acquisition by supporting the development of critical reading skills and strengthening vocabulary.

Newcomers
Students in 3rd to 12th grades who have less than one year in US schools AND score at the beginning proficiency level may qualify to participate in the Newcomer Program for one to two years. Parents are consulted regarding the most appropriate English language development support for the Newcomer student.  Transportation to the Newcomer program site is provided.

GBSD ELL Program Brochures

English

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For additional information regarding details of ELL support for your student please contact the ELL teacher at your student's school.