Secondary Newcomer Programs in the U.S.

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Wichita High School East, ESOL
Program Address:
2301 E. Douglas
Wichita, KS 67211
Phone: (316) 973-7298
Fax: (316) 973-7139
mgardner1@usd259.net
http://teachers.usd259.org/jgerling/WNC.htm

Contact Person:
Melanie Gardner
Director of ESL

  • Program Information
    • Information provided for school year: 2008-2009
      Year Program Started: 1994
      School/Grade Levels: High school site(s)
      Program Description:
      The Newcomers' Center is a full-day program that is a component of a comprehensive ESL program at Wichita High School East. Approximately 250 new, high school age immigrants arrive in Wichita annually, some with low literacy in their first language (first to third grade level) and little or no English proficiency (level 1). The instructional program centers on communicatively oriented, task-based ESL instruction complemented by computer-assisted language learning (CALL), modified reading, math, science, and life skills courses, all of which integrate elements that facilitate cultural adjustment. The fundamental thrust of the program is to provide an intensive, context-rich, anxiety-free learning environment for this traditionally underserved population so that the students may make the transition smoothly into the regular ESL program. Generally, students remain in the program for two semesters but may remain up to four semesters if needed. Of the eight high schools in the district, two have newcomer centers (East H.S. and North H.S.). Southeast High School has only a regular ESL program. These three high schools serve the English learners in the district.
      Newcomer Student Definition:
      Newcomer students have English proficiency levels of 0 to 1, are 14 to 20 years of age, and are either new to the U. S. or new to the high school setting, having attending school in the U.S. for less than 1 full year.
      Aspects of Program Working Well:
      1. The Intake Center has made enrollment much easier. The staff does placement testing, formal interviews (student background information), and helps the families fill out enrollment forms. They do not place students in classes or translate transcripts.
      2. Having full-day newcomer classes has accelerated the students' learning curve.

      Type of Language Program: ESL
      Type of Community: Urban/metropolitan
      How Families Learn of Program: Media (TV, radio, and print) announcements are publicized in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Multilingual brochures are available at all public schools. Multilingual interpreters are available at all schools upon request.
      Students Assigned From:
      • An in-take/assessment center
      Name(s) of the Home School(s): Wichita High East
      Funding Sources:
      • Federal: Migrant
      • State
      • District
      Other District Language Support Programs: All newcomer programs are part of ESL programs within the district; services and transportation are available to all. If the student/family does not want services, a waiver is signed denying services, and no assistance is provided.
  • Program Design Features
    • Program Location:
      • Program-within-a-school
      Length of Day:
      • Full-day Program
      Length of Program:
      • 1-year program
      Average Length of stay: 2 semester(s)
      Maximum Length of stay: 4 semester(s)
      Average Class Size: 15 student(s)
      Entry Criteria: Students who are new arrivals to the U.S., ages 14-20, with English proficiency levels of 0 to 1 enter the program.
  • Newcomer Student Demographics
    • Number of Newcomer Students in Program: 30
      Age Range of Students: 14 - 20
      Number of Countries Represented: 7
      Most Common Countries:
      • Mexico
      • Vietnam
      • Puerto Rico
      • Honduras
      • Palestine
      Number of Non-English Languages Represented: 5
      Most Common Student Languages:
      • Spanish
      • Vietnamese
      • Arabic
      • Filipino
      • Berber
      Percentage of Students with Interrupted Formal Schooling: 90%
      Percentage of Students with Free or Reduced Lunch: 97%
  • Instruction
    • Languages Used for Instruction: English
      Courses Provided by the Newcomer Program:
      • Sheltered content in English
        • math
        • science
        • social studies
        • language arts
        • health
      • ESL or English language development
      • Native language literacy
      • Cross-cultural/orientation to the United States
      • Reading intervention
      • Native language arts
      • School/study skills
      Typical Newcomer Student Schedule: 1 period reading, 1 period writing, 1 period CALL (computer-assisted language learning), 2 periods math or algebra, 1 period social studies, 1 period science, or 1 period P.E. and health, or Spanish for Native Speakers
      Literacy Development Practices: Reading, writing, and vocabulary strategies are used.
      Literacy Materials Used: Visions (text) - Heinle, High Point (text) - Hampton-Brown
      High School Courses Receiving Core Credit: Algebra, P.E, and health
      High School Courses Receiving Elective Credit: Language arts credit: reading, writing, CALL (computer-assisted language learning); General electives: social studies, science; Math elective: basic math
      Credit Recovery or Online Learning Courses: Yes. The building offers credit recovery classes for all students. ESL students are included. Some of the core classes are available in tiers (different ability levels).
      Additional Learning Opportunities: No
      Ancillary Services Offered Students:
      • Special Education
      • Gifted and talented
      • Health (physical)
      • Health (mental)
      • Day care
      • Career counseling
      • Tutoring
      5- or 6- Year Program Available for High School Newcomer Students: Many students finish in 4 years because ESL students are allowed to double up on sheltered English, social studies, and science classes in one year. However, some are 5- or 6-year graduates.
  • Assessment and Evaluation
    • Placement Measures
      Reading:
      English language proficiency:
      Language Assessment Scales (LAS) Oral, Reading, and Writing
      Content:
      Math Placement: Saxon Algebra 1/2; SRA Connecting Math Concepts, Levels D & E; Diagnostic Tests
      Progress Measures
      Reading:
      Visions, Heinle, assessments from text; Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)-Reading
      English language proficiency:
      LAS
      Content:
      Science, Longman, assessments from text; Algebra 1/2, Saxon, assessments from text; Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)- Math
      Achievement Measures
      State standards tests:
      Newcomer students take state math tests if they are enrolled in Algebra or a higher level math class. All grade and ability levels take the KELPA (state ESL test).
      Other assessments:
      Newcomer students are assessed though district-developed skills checklists.
      Program Evaluation: No formal evaluation has been done in 20 years.
  • Student Transition and Monitoring
    • Type of Program Students Exit Into:
      • ESL
      Exit Criteria: When the skills checklist is complete, students may make the transition out of the newcomer program. Teacher recommendation is also considered.
      Measures to Facilitate Student Transition Out of the Newcomer Program: Visits to classrooms, visits with teachers, discussions of ESL curriculum, one on one assistance with enrollment
      The ESL department chair, the newcomer teachers, the parent liaison, counselors

      Postsecondary Options for High School Newcomers:
      • Find a job
  • Program Staffing and Professional Development
    • Total Number of Program Administrators: 1
      Full Time in Newcomer Program: 0
      Total Number of Teachers: 4
      Full Time in Newcomer Program: 1
      Criteria to Teach in Newcomer Program: State teaching license with ESL certification
      Total Number of Paraprofessionals: 1
      Total Number of Resource Teachers: 0
      Total Number of Guidance Counselors for School: 7
      Social Worker/Family Liaison: No
      Guidance Counselors for Program: No
      Total Number of Staff Who Speak in One of the Student Native Languages: 3
      Languages that Staff Speak in Addition to English: Spanish
      Professional Development Topics for Teachers and Staff: Cultural proficiency; Rigor and relevance; Reading, writing, and vocabulary strategies
  • Connecting Families and Social Capital Networks
    • School Services Offered to Parents and Families:
      • Orientation to USA
      • Orientation to US schools
      • Native language literacy courses
      • Adult basic education
      • Adult ESL courses
      • GED
      • Information sharing with community organizations
      Newcomer Program Partnerships:
      The district and four state universities provide ESL endorsement classes for personnel in schools with newcomer/ESL programs. The district provides the funding for ESL endorsement.
      Social Services for Families:
      Health care (medical and bilingual counseling services), legal referral, financial assistance with utilities, free food and clothing, and English classes can be provided for students and their families.
      Methods to Inform Families of Services Available:
      The students enroll through the Intake Center. Bilingual staff tell them about the available services. Also, multilingual brochures are handed out yearly to families. When program staff learn about student/family concerns, they are referred to the program's parent liaison who connects them with the appropriate service.
      Methods to Inform Service Agencies of Newcomer Program:
      The district has contacted agencies.