English Learners
Academics
English Learners
English Learners (ELs) have the opportunity to accelerate their acquisition of English by participating in the Structured English Immersion (SEI) program. Leona Group embraces every opportunity to support success in all academic areas.
English Learner Identification Process
A home language survey is used as part of the enrollment process to determine if the new student will take the Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA). This test measures how well a student knows English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All students who qualify for English learner services will take AZELLA annually to monitor progress. Students classified as English learners shall be offered language development support through one of the approved SEI Models from the AZ Department of Education. (A.R.S. §15-756.01)
Leona Group Schools currently offer the following English Learner Programs
SEI Pull-Out Model
Schedules include 60 minutes per day of targeted ELD time for all EL students, provided by an SEI Endorsed teacher (50 minutes for middle school & high school). Grade level/content teachers provide at least 60 minutes of integrated language development (50 minutes for middle school & high school).
SEI Two-Hour Model
Schedules include 100 minutes per day of targeted ELD for all EL students, provided by an SEI-endorsed teacher. English instruction is integrated within the content instruction and includes a focus on how English functions within the discipline and differentiated linguistic supports.
SEI Newcomer Model
Schedules include 100 minutes per day of targeted ELD time for students in their first year identified as Pre-Emergent ELs, and 100 minutes per week of language instruction within the integrated setting for all EL students.
Exiting the English Learner Program
Students reclassify from English Language Development services when they score Proficient on the Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA). Students who enter The Leona Group schools with limited English language experience can expect to exit the program (reclassify) within 5–7 years. Students who enter with English language experience may only need a few years of additional support in English Language Development.
Our goal is for all English learners to become fully proficient in all domains of the English language (Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking) and to master state standards for academic success as quickly as possible.
For more information about our English Learner Program, please contact our Program Director, Elvia Guevara, at elvia.guevara@leonaschools.com.