Bilingual Programs

Transitional Bilingual Education (Early-Exit)

A Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program is an educational program designed to help students who are learning English as a second language. In this program, students receive instruction in their primary language and gradually transition to instruction in English as they become more proficient. The goal of the program is to help students become proficient in English while also maintaining their skills in their primary language. The program usually lasts for 3-4 years and provides support for students as they adapt to a new language and culture.

Goals:

• Literacy in English
• Use of primary language as foundation 

Students:

• Multilingual/English learners with same primary language

Instruction

• Begins 90% primary language ad 10% English.
• Gradual transition to all English.

Content-Based Instruction 

Content-Based Instruction (CBI), also known as Sheltered Instruction, is an approach to teaching language that integrates language instruction with content instruction. It is designed for students who are learning a new language, such as English, and are also learning academic content in that language. The goal of CBI is to provide students with access to grade-level content while also developing their language skills. In a content-based classroom, the teacher uses simplified language, visual aids, and other supports to help students understand the content. The content is typically related to science, social studies, or other academic subjects. CBI is an effective way to help English language learners develop their language skills while also keeping up with their peers in other academic subjects.

Goal:

• English proficiency and academic achievement

Students:

• Predominantly Multilingual/English learners 

Instruction

• Explicit English language development AND
• Rigorous grade-level content
• Teachers specifically trained in instructional strategies for multilingual/English learners.

Supportive Mainstream 

Supportive Mainstream Instruction (SMI) is an educational approach designed to help English language learners (ELLs) succeed in mainstream classrooms. In SMI, ELLs are placed in a regular classroom with their English-speaking peers and provided with additional support to help them understand the language and content being taught. The teacher uses a variety of strategies, such as visual aids, simplified language, and repetition, to help ELLs understand the material. The goal of SMI is to provide ELLs with access to grade-level content while also helping them develop their language skills. SMI is an effective way to help ELLs succeed in mainstream classrooms and prepare them for academic success.

Designated English Language Development
Designated English Language Development (DELD) is an educational program designed to help English language learners (ELLs) develop their language skills. In DELD, ELLs are provided with explicit instruction in English language skills, such as vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. The instruction is tailored to the ELLs' language proficiency level and is designed to help them progress to higher levels of proficiency. DELD is typically provided in addition to regular classroom instruction and is designed to support ELLs' academic success. The goal of DELD is to help ELLs become proficient in English so that they can succeed academically and socially in school and beyond.

Access to Rigorous, Grade-Level Content
Access to Rigorous Grade-Level Content for English Language Learners (ELLs) is an approach to teaching that emphasizes providing ELLs with access to the same academic content as their English-speaking peers. The approach recognizes that ELLs may have language barriers that make it difficult for them to understand the content, but it seeks to provide them with the support they need to succeed. Teachers use a variety of strategies, such as visual aids, simplified language, and repetition, to help ELLs understand the content. They may also provide additional instruction in English language skills, such as vocabulary and grammar. The goal of the approach is to help ELLs develop their language skills while also keeping up with their peers in other academic subjects. Access to Rigorous Grade-Level Content is an effective way to help ELLs succeed academically and prepare them for success in college and careers.

Goal:

• English proficiency and academic achievement

Students:

• Mixed classroom of multilingual students/English learners and English speakers.

Instruction:

• Explicit English language development 

Rigorous grade-level content:

• Teachers specifically trained in instructional strategies for multilingual/English learners.

Newcomer Program

Newcomer programs are educational programs designed to help newly arrived immigrant students adjust to their new school and community. These programs are designed for students who have recently arrived in the United States and who may have limited English proficiency. In a newcomer program, students receive intensive English language instruction, as well as instruction in other academic subjects. They may also receive support services, such as counseling and tutoring, to help them adjust to their new environment. The goal of a newcomer program is to provide students with the support they need to succeed academically and socially in their new school and community. Newcomer programs are an important way to help immigrant students transition to their new lives in the United States and achieve their academic and personal goals.

Goal:

• Familiarize students to the American school system
• Prepare students for transition to the Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program

Students:

• Beginning Level English learners
• Newly immigrated and/or limited or interrupted formal education

Instruction

• Basic English language skills
• Basic content instruction