English to Speakers
of Other Languages

What is ESOL?

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The English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is a state-funded language assistance instructional program that serves eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12. The objective of the program is to support the development of English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The program's curriculum emphasizes social/instructional and academic language proficiency. It is based on the integration of the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework and the Georgia Standards of Excellence.

 

How do students benefit from participating in the ESOL program?

Although many students can communicate socially, they struggle with the language used for academic purposes. It can take many years for students to develop this academic language that includes complicated text structures, formal grammar use, and abstract concepts.

The ESOL program assists students to acquire both social and academic language in English by providing direct instruction on a daily basis. The program provides targeted support that enables English learners to master the skills needed for success in American schools.

 

Language Groups at DIA

Some languages, other than English, spoken by students in the district include: