English as an Additional Language

EAL Philosophy

The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program supports students learning academic English through research-based pedagogy and practices. The program's goal is to ensure that English Language Learners (ELLs) have access to grade-level content while developing English Language Proficiency for social and academic purposes. 

At ACS, the English as an Additional Language program (EAL Program) varies across the school and is responsive to the needs of the English Language Learner (ELL).

EAL Program in ES

In Elementary School, ACS has a full immersion program. English Language Learners are supported while fully immersed in the grade-level general education classroom. The EAL (English as an Additional Language) specialist works directly with the classroom teacher to embed language scaffolds into instruction. Growth in English Language proficiency is measured using the WIDA Model Assessment. The WIDA is given approximately six weeks after enrollment. The assessment results are used for scaffolding language development as students continue to gain access to grade-level content. Students are reassessed yearly. A Language Growth Plan is developed to monitor language growth and share progress with parents, teachers, and students. The EAL  program is responsive to student needs. For this reason, when warranted, a student who is new to English may receive additional English Language Development (ELD) as their world language for a limited time.