English Language Learners: How to Be Set Up for Success

1. English Language Learners: How to Be Set Up for Success Caroline B. KirchnerOaks Christian SchoolWestlake Village, Californiackirchner@oakschristian.orgChristina ShimWheaton AcademyWest Chicago, Illinoiscshim@wheatonacademy.org

2. Overview of Program: Oaks Christian School & Wheaton Academy

3. Wheaton Academy • The mission of Wheaton Academy is to nurture growth in our students through relationships, excellence and service to the glory of God.

4. Philosophy & Structure (WA) We follow an immersion and self-contained ELL model. All international students take English class. All first year students and continuing students who need the support take an English Lab class that helps build foundational reading, writing, listening/speaking, vocabulary and grammar English skills.

5. Philosophy & Structure (OCS) We follow an immersion and mainstream model. All international students take the same classes as their American peers. All first year students start with our first year English class and work their way through the curriculum. We offer peer tutoring and outside tutoring when needed for all subjects.

6. Questions to consider: • How does the international program align with the overall missionof the school? • What type of ELL model do you want to immerse your students? • What is your overall ELL philosophy? • Is there support and excitementfrom the administration for the program? • Is there money in the budget set aside specifically for program development? With whom can you network/collaborate?

7. Questions to consider cont. • Who is involved in the interviewand acceptance process? • Is there a platform for content area teachers to connect with an ELL coordinator/director on a regular basis? Do content area teachers feel they have support? • How will you handle the division between different ethnic groups? • What socialsupport will the international students have on a weekly/monthly basis? • How involved are the students’ parents?

8. Testing Options • After each Skype interview, WA sends a short test to each student. We require the student to send it back within the next hour, so we can compare their immediateresponses with their personal statement in the application.

9. Summer Camp: WA • Sample Schedule

10. Summer Camp/Institute: Caroline Kirchner Opportunity to expose your school to international students Decide what level of student you want to service Camp vs. Institute Do it well

11. Summer English Institute Fun! Create Memories! Learn English! 6 Themed weeks taken from Bill Bennet’s Book of Virtues. Continue to cultivate values from school year including community service. Variety of field trips

12. Summer English Institute Calendar Courage and perseverance Beach Field trip to Sacramento and San Francisco Courage and perseverance Compassion and kindness Community Service Field trip White Water Rafting Compassion and kindness American Homestay weekend! Work and Responsibility Work and Responsibility

13. Summer English Institute Daily Schedule

14. Summer English Institute Class Offerings

15. Orientation & Policy Suggestions: Oaks Christian School Grammar class Better thinking to better writing Orientation to Christianity and Bible Personally introduce to OCS staff Table manners class Cultural orientation (outside speaker) Current students help with orientation

16. Orientation & Policy Suggestions: Wheaton • Summer Reading • Fun Activities—group bonding activities • Testing • Overview of the school • Connection with American students • Building trust with adults and peers • Individual profiles • Basic manners while living with host families • Introduction to American culture

17. Questions?