Tier 1 Universal Instruction
In order to support English Language Learning students’ (ELLs) academic success as they are acquiring English proficiency, the English Language Development (ELD) teacher conducts Reviews of Classroom Performance (RCP) surveys on a regular basis. We currently service ELL students at Lesher through our Spanish Literacy courses, English Language Development courses, and Alternative English Language Acquisition Plans (AELAP). Our ELL students whose native-language is Spanish matriculate into our Spanish Literacy Program. Students are instructed 6th through 8th grade in the target language of Spanish for Reading/Writing/Speaking/Listening. Our Spanish Literacy teacher has been trained in Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) and E.L. Achieve. All ELL students on Monitor status have a Review of Classroom Performance done on a quarterly basis to closely monitor their progress.
Alternative English Language Acquisition Plans (AELAPs)
Our ELL students whose native-language is other than Spanish are placed on an Alternative English Language Acquisition Plan and are monitored and supported by our ELA Designee. These students are instructed by general education teachers in ALL subject areas. Review of Classroom Performances are gathered on a quarterly basis to monitor students’ academic progress. As concerns arise for students and/or teachers, the ELD Teacher/Coordinator provides coaching for both groups. The ELD Teacher/Designee may conduct classroom observations to focus on instructional accommodations and student engagement to help determine the appropriate learning strategies.
Spanish Literacy Students | Alternative ELA Plan | ||
ELA STATUS- GRADE FEP- Fully English Proficient |
FREQUENCY |
ELA STATUS- GRADE FEP- Fully English Proficient |
FREQUENCY |
FEP Monitor- ALL GRADES | Quarterly Review Classroom Performance by CORE Teachers | FEP Monitor- ALL GRADES | Quarterly Review Classroom Performance by CORE Teachers |
Tier 2 Intervention
At Lesher, students below grade level in Reading/Writing/Communication are identified for more intensive instructional intervention using either Read 180 by Scholastic OR Inside by National Geographic.
6th Grade
For ELL students in the 6th grade whose ACCESS Reading and/or Overall score is less 3 or less, they will receive Tier 2-Intervention using the Inside curriculum. These students will be taught using the Language Development scope and sequence in order to develop English language as they become more fluent readers. The level of Inside used will be determined by the groups’ placement test. Progress monitoring will be assessed using the Language Gains test from the Inside curriculum.
7th/8th Grades
For ELL and non-ELL students in the 7th/8th grades whose ACCESS Reading and/or Overall score is 4 or higher AND have tested out of Read 180 per SRI results, they will begin to transition out of Tier 2-Intervention using the Inside curriculum. These students will be taught using the Struggling Reader scope and sequence in order to solidify reading skills while moving towards literacy and language arts instruction. Progress monitoring will be assessed using the Reading Gains test from the Inside curriculum.
SPANISH LITERACY
Model/Instruction |
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) developed and delivered in the target language of Spanish and assessed using the IBMYP Assessment Criteria for Language and Literature rather than Language Acquisition. 100% instruction in Spanish grades 6 - 8. Heterogeneous language and ability groups. "Honors level" instruction/collaboration for ALL students. Push-in Integrated Services for students with special education needs. |
Students | Bilingual Elementary Schools Represented: Harris & Irish |
Teacher | Petr Holubar |
Assessments |
CMAS- Colorado Measures of Academic Success ACCESS- English Language Acquisition MAPS- Reading / Math / Science SRI- Scholastic Reading Inventory INSIDE- Reading / Language Gains Assessment OW- Spanish Literacy Assessment |
Benefits |
High school graduation credit for Spanish Literacy courses. Puts Lesher students on a path to earn PSD's Seal of Biliteracy, a credential for graduating high school students who can read, speak, listen and write at a high level in English as well as another language. The Seal of Biliteracy appears on the diploma, is documented on the official transcript, and the student receives an honorary cord to wear at graduation. Development of stronger parent/school connection for Spanish speaking families through workshops and Viking Volunteers (Parent-Teacher Organization) involvement. Exchange/study abroad opportunities. |
For more information about Lesher's Spanish Literacy Program please contact:
Family Liaison Andy Mendoza - 970-472-3853 - amendoza@psdschools.org (ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL)
Teacher Mel Olsen - 970-472-3839 - meolson@psdschools.org (ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL)