English Language Learners
Supporting English Learners at Shikellamy
The Shikellamy School District is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for students who are learning English. Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides English Learners (ELs) with the language development and academic support they need to access the curriculum, participate fully in school, and achieve success.
English Learners bring valuable languages, cultures, experiences, and perspectives to our schools. Our ESL teachers work collaboratively with classroom teachers, students, and families to support both English language development and academic achievement.
Pennsylvania requires school districts to provide an appropriate program for students whose dominant language is not English. This includes planned English language development instruction as well as appropriate adaptations and supports within content-area instruction based on a student's English language proficiency.
Our ESL Program
Shikellamy's ESL program is designed to meet the individual needs of each English Learner. Services are based on a student's level of English language proficiency, academic needs, and other relevant information.
Depending on the student's needs, ESL services may include:
- Direct English language development instruction from a certified ESL teacher
- Small-group or individualized instruction
- Support within the general education classroom
- Collaboration between ESL and classroom teachers
- Instruction and activities designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
- Accommodations and instructional supports that help students access grade-level content
- Progress monitoring and communication with families
- Support for students as they transition toward English proficiency
Our ESL teachers collaborate with classroom teachers and other school staff to ensure that English Learners have meaningful access to the same high-quality academic opportunities as their peers.
Identifying English Learners
Students are identified as English Learners through Pennsylvania's required identification process. The process begins during enrollment and includes information gathered through the Home Language Survey and, when appropriate, an English language proficiency screening.
Pennsylvania requires school districts to identify English Learners within the required enrollment timelines and provide an appropriate Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP).
Once a student is identified as an English Learner, the district uses information about the student's English language proficiency and academic needs to determine appropriate services and supports.
WIDA and English Language Proficiency
Shikellamy uses the WIDA English Language Development framework to support English language instruction and monitor student progress.
English Learners participate in the annual WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment, which measures progress in English language development in the areas of:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
Assessment information is used along with classroom performance, teacher input, and other relevant data to monitor student progress and determine appropriate programming.
Family Communication and Support
Families are an important part of a student's success. Shikellamy School District is committed to communicating with families in a language and manner they can understand.
Important school and district information is made available to families who are not proficient in English in an appropriate language or mode of communication. The district utilizes interpretation and translation services when needed to support effective communication between families and school staff. Pennsylvania guidance specifically requires schools to provide important information to parents in a language or mode of communication they understand.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate with their child's ESL teacher or school staff whenever they have questions about their child's English language development, academic progress, or educational program.
Meet Our ESL Teachers
Sophie Mowery
Shikellamy Middle School & Shikellamy High School
Sophie Mowery provides ESL services to students at Shikellamy Middle School and Shikellamy High School.
Email: mowerys@shikbraves.org
Michele Cullen
Priestley Elementary School & Oaklyn Elementary School
Michele Cullen provides ESL services to students at Priestley Elementary School and Oaklyn Elementary School.
Email: cullenm@shikbraves.org
Savanah Corbin
Chief Shikellamy Elementary School
Savanah Corbin provides ESL services to students at Chief Shikellamy Elementary School.
Email: corbins@shikbraves.org
Questions?
If you have questions about the Shikellamy School District ESL program or your child's English language development services, please contact your child's ESL teacher or the school office.
Shikellamy School District is committed to ensuring that every English Learner has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed academically and develop proficiency in English.