ESOL - English to Speakers of Other Languages

ESOL Overview

During the past decade Clayton County Public Schools has become increasingly diverse and multicultural.  Many students who enter the school system from other countries or speak another language at home may need additional English language assistance to succeed in school.  The state funded ESOL program is designed to meet the needs of English language learners (ELLs).  Students are screened for English language assistance and if they qualify for services receive additional instruction provided by ESOL teachers.  These teachers are qualified to work with the diverse student population of English language learners.  The ESOL teachers provide instruction, participate in conferences, and assist school officials with various issues related to English language learners.  ESOL teachers also provide faculty members with strategies for assisting ELLs in the mainstream classrooms.

·         Provides service in all elementary, middle and high schools  

·         Offers service daily for eligible students  

·         Emphasizes the receptive skills: listening and reading  

·         Teaches the expressive skills: speaking and writing  

·         Uses whole class, small group and individual multi-level instructional approaches  

·         Assists classroom teachers by providing materials and suggesting strategies

·         Includes parents in the instructional program 

·         Facilitates improvement in delivery of instruction through ongoing staff development

·         Collaborates with other school programs and community agencies that serve minority language students

Language Groups

Clayton County ’s English Language Learners ( ELLs ) are primarily from several Spanish-speaking Latin American countries and Vietnam. Although languages most often encountered are Spanish and Vietnamese, there are over 60 language groups other than English in the school system.  Current languages, other than English, spoken by students in the Clayton County School System are:

Click Here for Printable Copy