ELL Programs - English Language Learners

Pleasantdale School District offers a TPI (Transitional Program of Instruction) for the limited English proficient student. This program teaches non-English and low-English proficient students' oral language skills and literacy skills. We teach English in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The TPI program bases it's philosophy on the Natural Approach where language is acquired in an environment that is language rich and where communication is meaningful in a nurturing setting.

The ELL (English Language Learner) student learns the English language in a variety of teaching methods and strategies. TPR (Total Physical Response) is one method where the students learn the English vocabulary by doing activities through physical movements. Picture cards, songs, chants, books, and hands-on activities are some of the other forms of instruction that are used. The sessions are provided with the classroom teachers to integrate thematic units and skills for the LEP students.

Pleasantdale School District enrolls ELL students whose limited English proficient languages include Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Bulgarian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, and Spanish. The ELL program differs from a bilingual program because English is the only form of instruction. With the bilingual program, instruction is taught in English and the native language.