English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a state-funded instructional program for eligible English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades K-12. The ESOL program is a standards-based curriculum emphasizing academic and social language development. ESOL language instruction is focused on developing ELL students’ academic English proficiency in each content area of Florida state standards. The WIDA Consortium English Language Development (ELD) Standards aligned with the Florida standards guide the work of ESOL teachers. Differentiated instructional practices, both in ESOL and general education classes, ensure that the language development needs of Cutler Bay Middle School ELL students are met. In ESOL language programs it is appropriate, when practicable, to use the student’s home language as a means of facilitating instruction and providing limited English-proficient (LEP) parents with school-related information.
The goal of the ESOL language instruction educational program for ELL students is to increase both English language proficiency (ELP) and academic language proficiency in content-area subject matter. Successful ESOL language programs focus on collaboration and shared accountability for the success of all ELL students.