ISKL’s philosophy is that language is best learned in an inclusive classroom setting. EAL students participate in classes in order to be in a language-rich environment and are supported individually and in small groups as needed. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is committed to preparing multilingual learners to thrive in the regular classroom setting. The Elementary School (ES) English as an Additional Language (EAL) program:

• Supports language learning through a well-designed curriculum and discovery-based curriculum that is fun and engaging for young, active minds
• Believes language development happens through engaged learning and social interactions
• Well-resourced with one EAL teacher working with each grade-level teaching team
• EAL teachers work collaboratively with grade-level teachers to embed language instruction into the mainstream curriculum
• Each child receives the level of support needed depending on their assessed English proficiency levels
• Additional supports are delivered through small group targeted instruction as needed
• Promotes understanding and respect for cultural and individual differences
• Provides support and guidance for families so language development is done in partnership between the home and school

For more information, you can view the Elementary School EAL Program Handbook here. The handbook is available on our website in English, Chinese, Japanese and Mandarin.

The Middle School English as an Additional Language (EAL) Program is designed to develop English language competency of multilingual learners to meet grade-level, subject-specific, and school expectations. The EAL department scaffolds language acquisition in content and academic concepts to support students so they can access the mainstream curriculum. Multilingual learners are placed in their grade-level mainstream humanities, math and science courses. As needed, an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course provides support for these mainstream classes while developing academic vocabulary and reading skills.

The Middle School (MS) English as an Additional Language (EAL) program:

• Fosters English language development holistically for students based on their level of need
• Support is based on the students’ level of English Language proficiency, as defined by the WIDA MODEL Performance Definitions and WIDA Can Do Descriptors
• Taking into account multiple sources of English language development data, students are placed into either an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Academic Purposes Plus (EAP Plus) class
• The purpose of these classes is to develop and refine content-based English language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing
• In addition to delivering EAP classes, each grade level has an EAL teacher that works collaboratively with the grade level teaching team and supports multilingual learners in core classes
• Development of home language, celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity and intentional use of translanguaging for linguistic development are fostered within the middle school’s culture

The High School (HS) English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is designed to develop the English language competency of EAL students to meet grade-level, subject-specific, and school expectations. The EAL department scaffolds language acquisition in content and academic concepts to support students so they can access the mainstream curriculum.

• Support is based on the students’ level of English Language proficiency, as defined by the WIDA MODEL Performance Definitions and WIDA Can Do Descriptors.
• The purpose of these classes is to develop and refine content-based English language skills in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• In addition to delivering English language support classes, the High School EAL teachers work collaboratively with the grade-level teaching team and support EAL students in core classes.
• Development of home language, celebration of linguistic and cultural diversity, and intentional use of translanguaging for linguistic development are fostered within the high school’s culture.