English for Academic Purposes
All students for whom English is not their native language are given an English proficiency assessment prior to admission to ISB. All MS students learn together in core classes in Humanities, Language Arts, Math and Science. According to need, ESL learners may receive additional EAP support and take additional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes. Each student's needs are reviewed quarterly based on formal English assessments, student performance in class and teacher observations. ESL learners receive a formal letter explaining upcoming placements before the start of each semester.
Sheltered Immersion Program
In our sheltered immersion program, ESL learners acquire English through participation in the regular academic program alongside their peers. They are sheltered through an individualized program of support designed by ESL specialist teachers. Support includes specially designed activities that promote language and content learning, co-teaching support during humanities classes, EAP Center services and special EAP classes designed to meet the particular language and curricular needs of ESL students.
EAP Humanities Class: This class meets 6 out of every 8 days during elective class time. Students develop language proficiency and essential understandings through challenging extension activities based on the Humanities/Language Arts curriculum. Smaller class sizes enable more opportunities for interaction and intensive support.
EAP Math/Science Class: This class meets 6 out of every 8 days during elective class time. Students develop their understanding of math/science concepts as well as acquire the language needed to succeed in their math and science core classes.
Language for Beginners: In place of some EAP Math/Science class time, beginners are provided an intensive program of study designed to help them build a foundation in English and learn strategies for succeeding at ISB. The curriculum includes individualized reading, vocabulary work, basic writing strategies and cooperative activities that promote good listening and speaking skill development.
Writing Applications Class: Writing Applications is a class that meets 6 days out of every 8 days during elective class time. Advanced level ESL students develop their writing skills and strategies by working through the writing process on challenging academic writing projects. Students keep a portfolio documenting their learning about themselves as writers. They learn about their individual strengths and needs and build strategies for enhancing their writing with greater independence.
EAP Center Services: The EAP Center is open daily before school and after school, Monday - Thursday until 3:00 PM except on early dismissal Tuesdays. ESL students may attend the center to work on homework, obtain help from an EAP teacher or instructional aid, check out reading books, or use classroom resources and computers for school work.
