WHS ESL 5 Curriculum Guide

Grades 9-12 College Prep  2.5  credits

Narrative: This course is designed for ESL students at the transitioning/bridging level of English proficiency. In this course, students set goals for their own learning. Students enrolled in ESL 5 will also take grade-level standard curriculum English classes.This project based learning class allows participants to choose between several projects each quarter. Students create a language goal with their teacher and then work in cooperative groups to achieve this. In addition to writing their own goals, students will be expected to write their own Essential Questions related to the topic. Students may repeat a unit using a different topic if they decide they need more time to reach a goal. Below are examples of goals, essential questions, and learning outcomes. Prerequisite: Completion of ESL 4 or equivalent assessment or teacher recommendation. 

Unit

Timeframe

Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions)

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

Literary Circles

1 Quarter

  • What kinds of stories interest me?

  • How do I increase my reading fluency and comprehension?

Students read and present a book of their choice. Depending on their language goals, the presentation may be oral or written. 

Main language focus: Reading

Resume/

Career Readiness

1 Quarter 

  • What are my strengths?

  • What do employers and universities expect from people in the US?

  • How should I present myself in oral interviews and written applications?

Students create a resume and cover letter for college or employment.

Alternately/in addition, students can create a LinkedIn page, a website, or practice recording themselves in interviews. 

Main language focus: Writing/Speaking

Academic Writing

1 Quarter

  • What structures are important in academic writing in the US?

  • How do I assess my own writing?

  • What topics interest me? 

Students research and write an essay/report using college conventions. They may choose from a list of prompts or explore their own interests. 

Main language focus: Writing

Formal Presentations

1 Quarter

  • What structures are important when formally presenting in the US?

  • How do I choose a mode for presenting something, and what are the differences? 

  • What topics interest me?

Students research a topic they are passionate about and prepare an oral presentation for the class.

Main Language Focus: Speaking