HST ESL Newsletter
Stay informed on what is happening in our ESL Department.
September 2019
HARMONY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
3203 North Sam Houston Pkwy West, Houston TX 77038
Tel: (281) 444-1555 Fax: (281) 444-1015
English as a Second Language
You might be wondering what the ESL Program is, and why your child was invited to be a part of it. When you entered the district, you filled out a Home Language Survey as required by the state. There are two important questions on this survey. If you answered ‘yes’ to either of the questions: • Does your child speak another language other than English? • Does anyone in the child’s home speak a language other than English?
Fa ll 2019
Then we are required to give your child t he LAS Links scre ener test to see if your child qualifies for ESL support. If he or she does qualify, you were sent a letter home in order to notify you.
Overview
Materials
We use regular grade level curricula. We have access to the same textbooks and resources. We also use leveled readers and extension activities based on what the children are learning.
Technology is an important component of the ESL curriculum. We use a variety of websites and software programs as it correlates to the grade level instruction, as well as the needs of each individual student.
Monitoring and Exit Criteria
The mission of the ESL program is for the students to be successful in school and using the English language. Therefore, the students exit the program when their goals have been met in conversational and academic English.
The students take the TELPAS test each year in March and STAAR in April/May. Based on those results, as well as teacher recommendations, we will determine if the student is ready to exit the program or not. Even after the student exits, we have monitors in place.
Communication
We are in constant communication with the classroom teachers. We communicate the child’s progress, as well as to correlate the curriculum with ESL instruction.
Parents are encouraged to become involved! Please feel free to call or e-mail at any time.
Reminders
• Please make sure your child gets enough rest and comes to school each day. • Develop a homework routine. • Read 20-30 minutes each night. • Check your child’s backpack and binder(s).