Multilingual/English Learners
Philosophy/Vision
Mission
ISD multilingual students will access grade level instruction in an inclusive, culturally and linguistically-responsive learning environment as they develop their language proficiency.
The Issaquah School District uses an acceleration model that empowers multilingual students to develop the social and academic English language proficiency that they will need to be successful in content-area instruction throughout their day. Language and skill development is accelerated, so students can meet high standards in ALL academic areas.
The WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework provides learning targets for teachers as they help the ELL students learn English.
More than 1,200 students receive English Language Development services in the Issaquah School District. These students represent over 75 different cultures and language groups. The most common are Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Russian, and Korean.
General Information and Questions
Elementary ELL model:
The “Supportive Mainstream" model is used in our elementary schools. In this model, students spend their day in a regular classroom. Many of the classroom and ELL teachers are trained in Project GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design). As the basis for service, ELL certificated teachers and paraprofessionals push into the classroom to help students develop academic language, and/or provide other interventions as needed, to be successful in their class.
Middle School ELL model:
In the middle school ELL program, a certificated teacher teaches the English Language Development class for ELL students. This class works to build student proficiency in academic language, helping students access the core curriculum throughout the rest of their day. These classes focus on oral language development, explicit instruction in the structure of the English language, and academic language development through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They may also support the student in their core classroom work. Some middle schools also provide after-school support for ELL students.
High School ELL model:
In the high school ELL program, a certificated teacher teaches an English Language Development class for ELL students. This class works to build student proficiency in academic language helping students access the core curriculum throughout the rest of their day. These classes focus on oral language development, explicit instruction in the structure of the English language, and academic language development through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They may also support the student in their core classroom work. Some high schools also provide after-school support so that students can receive extra help with academics and language learning.
How can I request an interpreter?
You may request an interpreter to help you communicate either over the phone or during face-to-face conferences. The interpreter can be requested by a parent or by an ISD staff member. If you are a staff member, please talk to your school office professional about the procedure. If you are a parent, please let your child's teacher know if you would like to use an interpreter, and they will make arrangements.
Know Your Rights!
Parents Rights in Terms of Language Access.
Parents have the right to receive important information from schools in a language they can understand. Issaquah School District must provide interpretation and/or translation services, when needed, to communicate with parents who have limited English (including parents with limited speaking, listening, reading or writing fluency in English).
More information on Language Access Rights can be found at the following links:
These Are Your Rights!
Under state and federal civil rights laws, you have the right to access information in your language. Please know that the school may not retaliate against you or your child for sharing concerns or filing a complaint.
Resources
Issaquah School District resources for families. Be sure to also check your school’s ELL webpage for more suggested resources.
- Cultural and Family Partnerships website
- Lunch Item Picture Chart
- Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Bilingual Education Program
ESL classes for adults
- King County Library System
- Bellevue College ESL classes
- Hopelink English for Work adult classes
- Renton Technical College adult classes.
- English Language Learners Alliance
ESL on the Plateau (jubilee REACH)
Due to the COVID-19 virus, our ELL classes are meeting online. Email gjones@spconline.org to get connected. New students are welcome to join at any time! We have 3 levels of English and a more advanced conversational class called Talk Time. Online learning can be accessed by phone, tablet or computer. Classes are Mondays and Thursdays 9:30-11:00. Classes are free. We are here to help with English and to help with making friends and having community.