As the number of multilingual students enrolled in Schaumburg High School has continued to grow each year, the district recently made changes to the EL (English Learner) program to better prepare students for a successful future.
There are over fifty-seven distinct languages spoken at Schaumburg High School. Given the diverse backgrounds of so many students, the district adapted the EL program to try accommodate the needs of all students. Most notably, the program expands the classes that students may take, allowing them to explore their future career interests while simultaneously improving their English.
All transfer students must take a screening test for the district to determine their English language proficiency. Regardless of the result, enrollment in the EL program is optional, with the school leaving the decision up to the students and their parents. Enrollment in the program has proven to be very beneficial and Mrs. Fanneli, a veteran teacher and EL department chair, is excited for this new expansion.
“Students get the same content with different teaching strategies,” she said. The classes offered include math, social studies, science, and more.
Mr. Harlan, the principal, stresses that inclusivity is at the forefront of these changes.
“There isn’t a better way to be inclusive than allowing students to take classes that they are interested in,” he states.
Students in the EL program may now take nearly any elective class that is offered, with the help of a bilingual aide, if needed. The goal of the program is to promote a cohesion among students that can only be achieved by creating the opportunity for students of all backgrounds to meet and learn.
To better meet the needs of students, the EL program has adopted sheltered classes in which second language students join mainstream students in the classroom, while getting extra support from teachers who have specialized training and or degrees for such instruction.
EL certified staff are now scheduled to support mainstream teachers for twenty minutes per day. The specialized teachers work alongside the classroom teacher to adapt lessons, communicate with students and offer suggestions to better improve instruction and learning and connect and communicate with students.
“The push-in teachers I have worked with have been extremely helpful in not just addressing the needs of my EL students, but all students who may benefit from additional support, stated English teacher Mrs. Serafini. “From making suggestions on additional resources within the curriculum to checking in with students on a daily basis, I have really enjoyed working with them to make my classroom more accessible for all students.”
As the school year progresses, Schaumburg High School is committed to fostering a supportive environment for all students. Though the changes were recently implemented this summer, they have the support of students and faculty alike.