Title III - English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The ESOL program is designed to help English Learners (ELs) develop academic and social English language proficiency. Given that GA is a member state of the World-Class Instruction Design & Assessment (WIDA) Consortium, ESOL teachers integrate the WIDA English Language Development Standards (ELDs) with the State of Georgia Standards of Excellence. Using state-approved ESOL delivery models (Push-in, Pull-out, & Sheltered Courses are options), ESOL teachers instruct and collaborate with regular education teachers to differentiate standards-based instruction and provide proficiency-appropriate scaffolding and language supports that will help ELs develop communicative confidence and skills in each of the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The delivery model of service in Social Circle Schools
depends on the needs of the students and the schools. Regular education teachers also accommodate these students' instructional and assessment needs, providing a culturally-responsive classroom environment where ELs' first language and culture are valued and where they feel safe to participate in and can take full advantage of all learning opportunities. ESOL and general education teachers work together to
ensure that qualifying students become proficient in the Georgia Standards of Excellence. In ESOL programs, it is appropriate, when practicable, to use the EL’s home language as a means of facilitating instruction and providing parents with school-related information.

Additional ESOL information is available at the Georgia Department of Education website.