High School students new to US schools should call the International Newcomer Center for an appointment (770-277-4428). At the INC, they will be interviewed about their previous school and tested for English language proficiency and math skills. If they have foreign transcripts, they should bring those as well.
Language assistance services are available for those students whose first language is not English and whose lack of proficiency in English linits their successful participation in the regular classroom. All schools have English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers. English language learners in need of support may receive either daily direct instruction from an ESOL teacher or instruction interventions in the regular classroom as planned by the regular classroom teacher with consultation from the ESOL teacher.
ESOL instruction addresses listening, speaking, reading and writing skills needed for academic achievement in language arts, math, science, social studies and throughout the academic environment. In addition, students are introduced to American cultural concepts needed for school success. At the same time, students are always encouraged to value their first language and culture.
ESOL teachers collaborate closely with other teachers so that instruction for English language learners is comprehensible to the extent possible throughout the school day. ESOL teachers bring the content of the curriculum into their language teaching and regular classroom teachers integrate vocabulary instruction into their classrooms. Professional learning is available to both ESOL teachers and regular classroom teachers.
Assessment:
On entry into the school system, each student who has a primary or home language other than English is screened with the WIDA-ACCESS Placement test, which assesses English listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students scoring below Level 5 are eligible to be served in language assistence services. Students are tested annually with the WIDA-Assessing Comprehension and Content in English State to State (ACCESS) for English Language Learners. The test measures how well students are able to handle academic language tasks (listening, speaking, reading and writing) across the content area of language arts, math, science, and social studies. Scores are used to measure student progress throughout the year as well as to determine when English language learners no longer need language assistance. Once that point is reached, students are monitored for a twopyear period to assure that their academic and language progress continues. | 
