Students who are not completely fluent in English are given extra support through the English Language Development (ELD) classes, and Armijo teachers work hard to make sure all students are given the opportunity to learn.

There are five different types of these classes. ELD 1, which is English for Newcomers and Beginners, and  ELD 2, which is English for Early Intermediate Students guides students who are relatively new to the country. The classes are taught as a two-hour block and they “are designed to give students the foundational kills and knowledge for acquiring language,” according to Ms. Sara Johnson, Certificated Support for English Language Learners.

“Topics in the first year focus on describing self, communities, relationships, and goals,” said Ms. Johnson. “In the second year, students explore ideas such as choices, the arts, heroes, opportunities, shopping, and adaptation to new communities.”

The other classes are known as Transitions classes and are divided by grade level. “Transitions courses align with core courses but give students more support to make their grade level English class more accessible and comprehensible,” Ms. Johnson said. “We might read and analyze a scene from Romeo and Juliet a few weeks before it is scheduled in the core English class. “

While students are learning English, in the Transitions classes, they are also learning ELD standards.  “We go ‘low and slow’ so that ELD students have some background and experience with what they need to know and do in their regular English class,” said Ms. Johnson. “A typical day in the class would focus on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills either in tandem or in isolation.  We do a lot of guided practice activities and work in partners or small groups.”