WS/FCS ESL Services Overview

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) proudly offers English as a Second Language (ESL) services at 81 schools. These services are designed for students who speak a language other than English and are learning English as a new language. ESL teachers support Multilingual Learner (ML) students by helping them acquire English and master mainstream classroom content.

ESL teachers are specially trained to guide students through the process of learning English. Experts estimate that it can take a child 4 to 10 years to become proficient in a second language. The instruction provided by ESL teachers focuses on increasing English vocabulary, improving grammar skills, enhancing comprehension of English literature, and helping students better understand what is happening in their mainstream classrooms.

ESL Service Models

ML students benefit from targeted, direct instruction, often in small groups led by experienced professionals. ESL services vary by school, but WS/FCS follows four approved models of service delivery:

1.      Pullout Model: The ML student is "pulled out" of the mainstream classroom for small group instruction planned by the ESL teacher.

2.      Encore ESL Classes: In middle and high schools, ML students receive ESL instruction during a scheduled class period and earn course credit.

3.      Sheltered Content Classes: At the high school level, sheltered content classes in subjects like social studies, science, math, and English are available. These classes use specific teaching methods to help ML students acquire both English and subject knowledge.

4.      Co-teaching Model: The ML student remains in the mainstream classroom, and the ESL teacher collaborates with the classroom teacher to provide instruction tailored to the student's needs.

Grade-Level Instruction

·         Grades K-5: English Learners may be "pulled out" of their regular classroom for 30-45 minutes daily to receive focused instruction. ESL/ML teachers also work closely with classroom teachers to modify lessons, ensuring that English Learners get the support they need.

·         Grades 6-12: English Learners attend a dedicated ESL class where the focus is on building English language skills. Depending on the student's needs, these classes may emphasize basic English proficiency or content-based language instruction. ESL/ML teachers collaborate with content teachers to modify instruction and help students succeed in all subjects.

Assessments and Program Evaluation

Each spring, ML students take the ACCESS for ELLs® English language proficiency test during the testing window (January to March). This test evaluates growth in four language domains—Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing—based on WIDA Screener or W-APT results. These scores help identify areas of need and improve the ESL program.

The WS/FCS Multilingual Learners Department works to build the capacity of all teachers to help English Learners access learning through academic discourse and engage fully in their education.

If a student's assigned school does not offer ESL services, families have the right to request a transfer to a nearby school that does.

Please contact your assigned school today for questions about your child's eligibility for ESL services.