English Learners (EL)

Mission and Goals

Mission

Ames Community School District strives to prepare English Learners who are socially and academically confident, bicultural, and multilingual through welcoming and engaging students and their families in the educational process.

Goals

• Increase the percentage of ELs making growth on at least one subtest of the annual English language proficiency assessment.

• Decrease the number of Long-Term English Learners (LTELs – defined as more than four full academic years in the Ames EL program). 

Educational Approach

Elementary

Ames Elementary English Language Learners may experience one of or a combination of the following models:

Pull-out

• Students spend most of the school day in a regular classroom, but are pulled out for a portion of each day to receive instruction in English as a second language.

Push-in

• Students may remain in the regular classroom and receive English language support from the classroom teacher or the EL teacher.

Middle School

English Language Learners are assigned to EL classes for one or two periods, in addition to an EL study hall. EL classes are typically divided according to English proficiency, as well as grade level. Classes are focused on English language development and an introduction to American culture using a variety of strategies.  Class time may also be used to support English Language Learners with their content area coursework.

High School

Sheltered classes are available for English Language Learners to receive required high school credit in US History, World Studies, Algebra and English. EL Reading is offered as an individualized class based on the English Language Learner’s level of English proficiency. EL Beginner and EL Intermediate levels help develop the foundational skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Important Links  

English Language Learners Instructional Highlights 

Ames English Language Program 

EL Frequently Asked Questions

Ames Lau Plan for EL Services

Colorin Colorado for Families 

Program Contacts

Translated Board Policies 

Policy 102 – Equal Educational Opportunity 

Spanish: Policy 102 – Equal Educational Opportunity
Chinese: Policy 102 – Equal Educational Opportunity
Arabic: Policy 102 – Equal Educational Opportunity

Policy 102.3 – Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act

Spanish: Policy 102.3 – Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act
Chinese: Policy 102.3 – Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act
Arabic: Policy 102.3 – Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act (Coming Soon)

Policy 104 – Anti-Bullying/Harassment 

Spanish: Policy 104 – Anti-Bullying/Harassment 
Chinese: Policy 104 – Anti-Bullying/Harassment 
Arabic: Policy 104 – Anti-Bullying/Harassment

Policy 106 – Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited 

Spanish: Policy 106 – Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited
Chinese: Policy 106 – Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited
Arabic: Policy 106 – Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited