NIS ESL Academic English Integration Program

CURRICULUM

STEP1: ESL 1
This class is designed for high beginners. At this level students are beginning to understand language and use it in a limited capacity.
Reading, listening, speaking, and writing are developed using tapes, videos, and dictation.  This is done while working on the basics of pronunciation and grammar. Teachers use a variety of techniques to achieve this goal.

STEP 2: ESL 2
This class is designed for students with a moderate command of English. At this level they are able to understand most oral and written language pertaining to familiar topics. They require extensive help using and understanding academic vocabulary.
At this level the use of social language is stressed in the various disciplines of reading, listening, writing and speaking. The introduction of vocabulary and grammatical structure is stressed.

STEP 3: ESL INTERMEDIATE
Students at this level are able to function well in most everyday situations but still require academic support. They have trouble understanding text beyond the literal level. They often make errors in structure and idiomatic language.
Students are helped to develop their academic vocabulary through the use of age and grade appropriate texts. Discussions, outlines, note taking, essay writing and other forms of instruction are tools used to achieve this.

STEP 4: ESL ADVANCED
Students at this level of proficiency can handle most personal, social and academic language. Idioms and structure are still a problem.
This class is designed to challenge students that are at near native speaking ability. Students are encouraged to ask questions pertaining to their academic subjects.
Note: In addition to the core ESL subject curriculum additional classes are available to meet the specific needs of students. Arrangements for these classes can be made through NIS administration.

RULES

Rule:1
After completing the entire ESL curriculum, students are capable of success in the regular NIS curriculum.

Rule:2
Based on the assessments made by the ESL and academic departments of NIS, students enrolled in ESL ’Advanced course’ may be permitted to concurrently participate in the regular NIS curriculum, including English Language Arts. However, they must complete their ESL course in the ’After School ESL Program’.