English as a Second Language

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 ESL teacher.

Middle School

English Language Learners are assigned to ESL classes for one or two periods, in addition to an ESL study hall. ESL 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. ESL Reading is offered as an individualized class based on the English Language Learner’s level of English proficiency. ESL Beginner and ESL Intermediate levels help develop the foundational skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Important Links  

English Language Learners Instructional Highlights 

Ames English Language Program 

English Language Proficiency for the 21st Century (English version) 

English Language Proficiency for the 21st Century (Spanish version)

ESL Frequently Asked Questions

Ames Lau Plan for ESL Services 2019 

iColorin Colorado for Families 

ACSD ESL Blog 

Program Contacts

Follow @AmesESL

Dr. Chad Dumas  

Executive Director of Elementary Education

Shaeley Santiago

English Learner Strategist 

Ames Community School
District Educational
Services Center
2005 24th St.
Ames, IA 50010

515-268-6628
Fax: 515-268-6633