English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the ISB Middle School
Students who are not proficient in English language take an English proficiency assessment prior to admission to ISB.  Students must already have a foundational level proficiency in English to be admitted to Middle School (MS).  Admissions standards as well as EAL program exit criteria increase by grade in alignment with increasing academic expectations.  Learning both content and language is a formidable challenge for EAL learners.  The MS EAL program is designed to enable EAL learners to meet this challenge and succeed at ISB.


Our Sheltered Immersion Program
EAL students acquire English through immersion in the regular academic program alongside mainstream students.  Core teachers and EAL Co-teachers provide differentiated learning structures and individual support to help EAL learners participate and learn both content and language during core classes.  EAL students also acquire English in sheltered EAP classes specially designed to meet the unique needs of language learners.  EAP Center services also support student learning outside of regular class hours.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Classes
All Middle School students take all core classes (Humanities, Math and Science), P.E. and at least one other course.  According to need, EAL learners may also be placed in:
  • EAP Math/Science/Language Class: An intensive program of study helps beginner level EAL students build a foundation in English and learn strategies for succeeding at ISB.  The curriculum includes basic classroom communication skills and strategies, establishing good language learning behaviors such as independent reading, and learning basic vocabulary and structures useful for understanding and explaining their own understanding in all core classes, with an emphasis on math and science class.  EAL students no longer take this class once they achieve basic proficiency in EAL standards (stage 3) and are able to learn without additional support in core classes.
  • EAP Humanities Class: These classes help students develop language proficiency and essential understandings through rich extension activities based on the Humanities/Language Arts curriculum. Smaller class sizes enable more opportunities for interaction and intensive support.  The language and concepts learned in this class help students participate and learn more in their core Humanities class. EAL students no longer take this class once they achieve proficiency in EAL standards (stage 4) and have the language proficiency needed to work towards meeting core class standards.
  • EAP Writing Applications Class: In this quarter long class, advanced EAL learners work through the writing process on challenging academic writing projects.  Students receive individualized guidance to help them understand and learn strategies for meeting writing standards according to their own strengths and needs.  After each quarter of study, students have one quarter to independently apply their learning in their regular academic program. EAL students no longer take this class once they are able to independently demonstrate proficiency in EAL writing standards (stage 5a) and are able to work towards meeting core class English Language Arts writing standards. Students may take this class twice, longer in exceptional cases only.

Additional Services available to EAL Students:
  • The EAP Center (Room 203) is open daily before school and after school, Monday-Thursday until 3:00 PM.  EAL students may attend the center to work on homework, check out reading books or learning resources, or obtain help from an EAP teacher or instructional aid.

EAL Program Placement
Language learning is a challenging and complex process requiring years of diligent work.  Each learner is unique in the amount of time and support needed.  MS EAL teachers help each student understand their own learning, set goals and build skills and strategies to achieve EAL standards.  EAP courses and EAL services help students make good progress towards standards.  Placement in classes and services is adjusted as a student approaches standard.  A letter indicating placements for the upcoming semester is issued to all EAL students and their parents/guardians. Please contact MS counselor or EAL teachers for more information.