English Language Learners (ESL)

English Learners receive a broad spectrum of specialized services based on their individual needs. These services include English language development classes, co-taught general education classes such as math, history and science and general education support classes.

Initial Placement

Testing and potential placement in the ESL program is based on the Home Language Survey portion of the Clarkston Community Schools District registration form. If the parent of a new enrollee indicates that the student’s native or home language is other than English, the student will be assessed within 10 school days to determine eligibility in the ESL program. The assessment tool will be the WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT). Test results assist educators with programmatic placement decisions such as identification and placement of ELs. The W-APT is one component of WIDA's comprehensive assessment system. ACCESS for ELs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) is a secure large-scale English language proficiency assessment given to Kindergarten through 12th graders who have been identified as English Learners (ELs). It is given annually in WIDA Consortium member states to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English. Parents will be notified of the student’s eligibility and given the opportunity to accept or refuse ESL assistance.

Continued Eligibility or Exit from the ESL Program

Students are assessed on a yearly basis in all four-skill areas as required by state law. If WIDA testing determines that a student has not reached the appropriate level of proficiency, he or she will remain in the ESL Program. Students who reach the appropriate proficiency level are exited from services, but are monitored for a four-year period to ensure that adequate progress in English and success in the classroom continues.

Special Program Offerings

Secondary ESL Support in English Language Arts

To develop English language proficiency at the secondary levels, students will be placed in an English Language Arts class and will with a certified English teacher along with a certified ESL Teacher to support them in mastering the curriculum. As needed, the ESL teacher serves as not only an advocate for the individual students' needs in the mastery of the content, but also focuses on special needs of the non-native speaker in the four skills of listening, speaking reading and writing.

Project-Based Learning

In the Junior High School, students have the opportunity to pair service learning and academics in a special class called Project Based Learning. Here, students block their English and Social Studies classes and combine the real world with academic service learning. ESL students are placed in this class in 8th and 9th grade and it is a great change for them to work on social and academic language. 

Spanish for Spanish Speakers

In collaboration with the world language department, the ESL teams to foster the primary language skills of native Spanish speakers in a unique after school enrichment program. Focus primarily includes literacy and vocabulary development, while working to increase academic and social language in the native language. Students are engaged with a variety or activities and resources, many to take home and use in their homes, as well as provided with snack and transportation. For more information about schedule and joining, please reach out to Ann Krause.

International Student Program at Clarkston High School

Clarkston Community Schools is committed to diversity. An international student program at Clarkston High School is a major point of pride in this exploration of diversity.  Each school year, up to 25 students from around the world are able to enroll in a CHS curriculum and have the opportunity to receive a diploma and participate in a variety of additional activities and programs, such as academic service learning, a cultural display event - International Night, World Language Days and so much more. 

Family Outreach

Clarkston Community Schools is committed to equity among all students. A Parent Liaison is on staff with the ESL team who serves to communicate information to Spanish speaking families in their native language on a regular basis. Additionally, the team works on a quarterly basis to provide evening enrichment programs designed to support literacy growth and community engagement among families of the ESL community in the Clarkston area.