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English as a Second Language

globeEnglish as a second language (ESL) services are offered throughout the district both as a component of the Bilingual (Spanish/English) Program as well as to other language-minority students who attend ESL stand-alone schools.  For both programs, classes are taught by certified ESL teachers at various schools in MPS at the K–12 level.

ESL is an integral component of the Bilingual Program; both ESL and classroom teachers are responsible for the student’s English language instruction. The ESL classes are taught utilizing a content-based team teaching approach. 

The instructional approaches for ESL in the bilingual classrooms parallel pedagogical methodology of mainstream classes in content areas, and the state standards are utilized for instruction and achievement. The ESL teachers derive language objectives using the WIDA® Consortium's English Language Proficiency Standards for English language learners (ELLs) in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to ensure that ELL students are receiving the appropriate English content and vocabulary according to their individual English language proficiency (ELP) level. A variety of service delivery models based on student needs are practiced including pullout, team teaching, push-in, etc.

ELL students not enrolled in the bilingual program are placed into monolingual classrooms. Students receive native language support from bilingual teaching assistants and teachers when possible. Since students are immersed in a non-bilingual program, extra ESL support is helpful to the child’s well-being and academic growth and is encouraged. Students are typically grouped in ESL classes according to age. Integration of ESL and classroom instruction implemented through team teaching is recommended where feasible, especially for students at the intermediate and advanced stages of English language acquisition.
 

Quick Reference Guides


Milwaukee Public Schools serves incoming refugees from the following countries. Learn more about how to support our new students.

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  Afghanistan

For information about the culture of Afghanistan and to learn how to support our Afghan students, please refer to the MPS Quick Reference Guide to Afghanistan and Afghan Culture.

  Burma

For information about the culture of Burma and to learn how to support our Burmese students, please refer to the MPS Quick Reference Guide to Burma and Burmese Culture.

  Democratic Republic of the Congo

For information about the culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to learn how to support our DRC students, please refer to the MPS Quick Reference Guide to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and DRC Culture.

  Ukraine

For information about the culture of Ukraine and to learn how to support our Ukrainian students, please refer to the MPS Quick Reference Guide to Ukraine and Ukrainian Culture

  Venezuela

For information about the culture of Venezuela and to learn how to support our Venezuelan students, please refer to the MPS Quick Reference Guide to Venezuela and Venezuelan Culture.

Contacts

Curriculum Specialists:


Bilingual Dual Language Program

Dra. Rocío Trejo
Phone: 414-475-8565
Email: trejor@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

English as a Second Language Program

Sarah Borges
Phone: 414-475-8732
Email: borgess@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

World Languages/Language Immersion Program

Solmaris González Chico
Phone: 414-777-7827
Email: gonzals1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
 

Supervisor, First Nations Studies:

Richanda E. Kaquatosh
Phone: 414-902-7313
Email: kaquatre@milwaukee.k12.wi.us


Lau Compliance Center:

Abigail Martínez, Secretary
Phone:  414-475-8525
Fax: 414-475-8430
Email: rodrigm1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Director (Underfill), Department of Bilingual Multicultural Education:

Dra. Rocío Trejo
Phone: 414-475-8565
Email: trejor@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

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