ESL

Harambee serves English language learners in grades K-5. Our curriculum and instruction are tied to both the Minnesota Academic Standards for English language learners and the mainstream grade-level standards. ESL teachers assess students periodically and tailor instruction and support to their needs. Beginning and intermediate students receive pull-out services for direct instruction in English for 30 minutes four times a week. The teachers work on developing oral language skills, as well as reading and writing. The focus is on building the academic language that all students need to be successful in school. Advanced and transitional students receive support that is flexible, according to the needs of the students. ESL teachers also spend time in the mainstream classrooms during their literacy block supporting students with mainstream instruction. At grades K, 1, and 2, the curriculum includes a phonics-based book of songs and chants that support vocabulary, rhyming, fluency, oral language, and emergent literacy. In grades 2, 3, 4, and 5, ESL teachers develop language lessons that are tied to the classroom social studies curriculum. We use the state standards to guide our instruction and select appropriate materials from the classroom texts, the Multicultural Resource Center, and teacher-created materials to support language learning through content area materials.

Minnesota Academic Standards for English Language Learners