Beginning at James River in the fall of 2002, the English as a Second Language Program (ESL) teaches students who are non-native speakers to utilize the language effectively and communicate orally, through reading, and by writing. The ESL Program will help students develop these skills quickly in order to prepare them for mainstream classes and a high school diploma.
The ESL Program has established priorities for use of resources which reinforce the mission and purpose of t he program. They are as follows:
1. Acquisition of English- listening speaking, reading, and writing
2. Mainstreaming/Integration- academic and cultural
3. Vocational/Job Skills/Adult Life Preparation (high school)
4. Cultural Awareness
5. Recognition of ESL Program and Services
Students attending the ESL Program at JRHS will move through the following levels of instrution:
Level I-Beginning English
Level II-Advanced Beginner
Level III-Intermediate
Level IV-Advanced
Monitored-Students have completed Level IV and are in all mainstream classes. Monitored students will require necessary ESL assistance and testing for 2 years after Level IV.