EL teachers provide supplemental English language development through direct instruction for students at English proficiency levels 1-5. At the elementary level, most ELs receive the greater part of their instruction in the general education classroom. Classroom and EL teachers collaborate to teach language, create accommodations, and differentiate based on the needs of the students in their classrooms. EL service is provided through a co-teaching model and/or small-group instruction designed for EL students. These services are often provided in Reader’s, Writer’s, and/or Math Workshop.

Language Academy Program

Language Academy (LA) is a program unique to Saint Paul Public Schools that provides up to two years of intensive language support. It is designed for new immigrant students, some of whom may have limited or interrupted formal education. To qualify for Language Academy initially, students must have:

• less than two years of formal education in the United States
• English proficiency levels 1.0 and 2.9, as determined by the WIDA Screener

Language Academy students in elementary schools are placed in mainstream classrooms where they engage in grade-appropriate curriculum and receive intensive language instruction. These services will be provided collaboratively by mainstream teachers and EL teachers, through differentiated instruction and authentic assessment, to best meet the students' needs. It is designed to provide newcomer EL students in grades 1–5 with an education that builds content knowledge in order to foster academic success and language skills at their grade level. The Language Academy program provides students with an opportunity to participate in the school and the larger community.

Elementary Schools with Language Academy

At the middle and high school sites, level 1 and 2 students receive sheltered classes in English language arts, science, math, and social studies. 

Students at level 3 or higher may be served through a co-teaching model in the content areas. Collaboration allows for planning, teaching and assessment of content and language objectives for ELs in the mainstream classroom. These EL students may have one or more English language development (ELD) classes associated with the co-taught content class. The ELD classes are aligned to both the state standards and the WIDA English Language Development Standards.