Language Academies (LA)
Language
Academies are designed for newcomer students in grades 1-6 who speak
less than 300 words of English. Each Language Academy classroom is
comprised of both English language learners and native English
speakers. ELL students work on the same academic material as their
classmates, with adaptations and scaffolding assistance from ELL and
mainstream teachers as well as bilingual educational assistants. ELL
and mainstream teachers integrate language development across all
subject areas, which has proven to be best practice for ELLs.
Approximately 700 students are enrolled in Language Academies.
Features of Language Academies
Language Academies are taught collaboratively by mainstream teachers
and ELL teachers, who provide differentiated instruction and build
background knowledge in order to foster academic success and language
skills at the grade level. This intensive collaborative program helps
students rapidly develop the English language skills that will prepare
them to succeed academically.
Daily interaction with their
native-English-speaking peers builds language skills and promotes
acceptance and diversity among all students. ELL students in Language
Academies are integrated into the school and larger communities.
Most
students attend Language Academies for two years. Upon exiting the
program, students continue to receive academic and language support
from ELL staff as needed.
There are thirteen Language Academy sites:
| 
