English as a Second Language (ESL) is a broad term used to describe the diverse educational approaches that use English as the language of instruction for ELLs. ESL is offered in every school in the district. A variety of ESL programs are employed in schools, all with the same basic goal—to help beginning English language learners achieve rapid English proficiency. These programs differ widely in their approaches, varying in terms of instructional strategies, program structure, and amount of time students spend in classrooms with their native English-speaking peers.

In ESL classes, ELLs receive instruction in English. The level of English used in class is tailored to students’ proficiency (students are often grouped by proficiency level), and students in the classroom may or may not share the same native language. Teachers of English language learners must present content according to students’ individual needs and learning styles. While it is not necessary for an ESL teacher to speak his/her students’ native language, it is important for schools to maintain a culturally diverse staff—all students need social, emotional, and academic support, and ELLs need to feel that they have someone to identify with culturally as well.

The ELL department of Saint Paul Public Schools offers content-based ESL programs, which strive to promote students’ English language proficiency and mastery of academic content at the same time by integrating subject areas with language objectives. Content-based ESL programs differ from pull-out programs, in which a special curriculum is often used and the sole focus is on development of English proficiency.

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