Skip to main content

ESL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the ESL program?
Prospect Hill Academy offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programming at each campus. The purpose of this program is to develop and strengthen the students' understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of academic English.

Who is eligible for ESL supports and services?
New students who enroll at PHA are required to complete a Home Language Survey at the time of registration. Based on the information provided on the survey, all students whose first (native) or home language is not English are assessed determine their English proficiency levels in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Eligibility for ESL services is based on the results of this assessment.

Teachers or parents may also request that a current student be screened for eligibility. In these cases, the ESL teachers will administer the assessment and review the student’s overall academic performance to determine if the child is eligible for ESL support. If you wish to request an ESL evaluation of your son or daughter, please inform your child's teacher.

My child already speaks English very well. Why is he/she eligible for ESL support?
There are two types of language that an English Learner (EL) has to learn and master in order to perform successfully at grade level. One is social language (basic interpersonal communication, conversation) and the other is academic language (technical language and content specific vocabulary that is used in school).

It usually takes 3-5 years for a child to become orally proficient and able to communicate with ease. Basic conversational English is an important foundation for the student to develop academic language, but it doesn’t guarantee a student’s academic success.

Research tells us that it normally takes 5-7 years for EL students to fully develop the academic English needed in order to succeed in school. Although students may not need English as a Second Language (ESL) support for that long, it is important that they receive support until they are able to keep up with the rigorous, academic curriculum.

How does the ESL program help students to learn English?
The ESL program helps students learn and strengthen basic and academic English skills through direct instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Instruction is based on the state standards in the content areas.  The ESL students are expected to meet PHA goals and standards through the regular classroom curriculum.  If a child is receiving both ESL services and special education services, the ESL teacher will be a part of the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process.

Can I refuse ESL services for my child?
Although PHA strongly recommends that all eligible students participate in the ESL program, parents/guardians have the right to “opt out” of direct ESL instruction on behalf of their child. If you wish to “opt out” of ESL instruction, please notify your child’s teacher. A meeting will be arranged so you can share your concerns with the principal. You will also be asked to sign a letter to ensure that you understand your child’s rights to receive ESL services in the future.

Students who qualify for ESL support but whose parents/guardians “opt out” of service are still required to be assessed annually using the ACCESS test.

What kind of ESL program does Prospect Hill Academy provide?
Prospect Hill Academy uses an ESL model called Sheltered English Immersion (SEI). The SEI model enables English language learners to access the same academic content as their native English speaking peers in a format that is accessible, in accordance with their level of English proficiency. Enrollment in SEI classrooms is mixed, with a balance of native English speakers and English language learners. In the SEI model, classroom teachers receive special training to learn strategies and techniques for “sheltering” content in all subjects, presenting it in a way that second language learners can understand. As a result, ELs are able to keep up with the academic curriculum while they build their academic English.

In accordance with their level of need and English proficiency, ELs also receive direct instruction from an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. The ESL teacher provides students with explicit instruction in English. ESL services may be provided in the general education classroom or through small group intervention, to allow for more targeted, focused instruction.

What are the English proficiency levels?

How and when does a student receive ESL services?
The type and amount of ESL services depends upon the needs of the student.  The following options are available:

  • Small group instruction in oral language, reading, and writing
  • In-class support in math or language arts
  • After school support, summer school, etc.

How will my child’s progress be monitored?
In addition to the regular progress monitoring that is provided for all students at Prospect Hill Academy (report cards, parent-teacher conferences, MCAS, etc.), parents of English language learners also receive a variety of updates specific to their child’s English language development.

  • Each January, ELs in grades Kindergarten through Grade 12 are assessed using a state mandated tool called “ACCESS”. This assessment measures students’ English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Parents are provided with a written summary of the test results, which are normally published in the late spring (May/June).
  • At the end of each marking period, parents of ELs are provided with a progress report which includes information specifically related to their child’s language development.
  • Parents of ELs are invited to participate in at least two conferences per year so they can discuss their child’s progress and performance within the ESL program. ESL conferences may take place jointly with the classroom teacher or parents can request an individual conference with the ESL teacher.

When will my child complete the ESL program?
When a student demonstrates a proficiency level of 5 on the ACCESS test and is able to work successfully and independently on grade level content, the ESL team will consider whether he/she is ready to transition out of the ESL program. In addition to ACCESS scores, the teachers will review the student’s overall academic progress and performance on other important assessments, such as MCAS. Once a student transitions out of the ESL program, he/she will receive ongoing monitoring for an additional four years. If the student demonstrates difficulty during that period, ESL services may be resumed.

In order to help my child, should I speak English or our native language at home?
There is overwhelming evidence that parents should speak their native language at home. Children need the advice and guidance of their parents and need to be able to communicate about what is happening in their lives. If parents do not speak their native language with their children, it is probable that their children will not remain bilingual and will not be able to speak their parent's language fluently as they grow older. When the parent's English skills are weak, and the child's understanding of the parent's native language is weak, communication problems arise just at a time when children need their parents the most. Parents should speak, read to, and write to their children in their native language. 

If parents would like their children to be exposed to more English after school hours, the best way to do that is to encourage children to join a club, play a sport, or take lessons (art, Karate, cooking- anything of interest!) with native English speakers. Another way to expose children to more English is to help children build a "home library" of favorite books in English.