Welcome English Language Learners and Families!
We believe that bilingual and multilingual learners contribute to creating a strong academic environment where diverse communities thrive. Jeffco Public Schools classrooms are enriched with more than 9000 bilingual and multilingual learners who speak more than 135 different world languages. We are dedicated to honoring and valuing the diverse cultural and language backgrounds represented in Jeffco.
Jeffco’s English as a Second Language (ESL) and Dual Language programs support these students in their linguistic development, whether they are learning ESL or whether they use both English and another language at home. Support is tailored to both bilingual and multilingual students.
ESL Informational Brochures
Instructional Support
Jeffco's mission includes the belief that all graduates will be able to successfully apply the following competencies: Content Mastery, Civic and Global Engagement, Communication, Critical Thinking and Creativity, and Self-Direction and Personal Responsibility. This mission is reflected in our ESL/Dual Language department goals as well, which state:
- English language learners (ELLs) will be at or above grade level in all content areas.
- ELLs will develop high levels of academic English language proficiency.
- ESL/Dual Language staff will promote cultural awareness and family involvement and help bridge school and home cultures.
The linguistic and academic support our department provides is designed to accelerate student learning and engagement in the greater school community.
An important part of this support is the ELL plan. Each English learner will have an English Language Learner (ELL) Plan. ELL Plans include language development progress and instructional focus areas. Teachers develop and monitor these plans based on individual student linguistic needs.
ELL Plans support students until they reach Fluent English Proficient designation and they are ready to exit the ESL Program. The purpose is to ensure each ELL is making appropriate progress toward language fluency and academic mastery across content areas.
ESL Programming
Elementary
All elementary schools offer English language development support for all English language learners. English language development Instruction focuses on language and literacy skills essential for English language learners to engage meaningfully with classroom instruction across all content areas, attain grade-level competencies, and meet challenging state academic standards.
Secondary
At the secondary level (middle and high schools), a variety of ESL English Language Arts (ELA) courses are offered at most secondary schools. ESL Teachers follow Jeffco ESL ELA curriculum, utilize resources and implement appropriate instructional strategies to ensure all ELLs receive rigorous English language development and English Language Arts content. The goal is for all students to graduate with choices and have the skills to be career and college ready.
Based on individual needs, the student will be scheduled into a Secondary ESL course. The course offerings include:
- Newcomer ELA
- Beginning ELA
- Intermediate ELA
- Advanced ELA
Newcomer Academy
The Newcomer Academy is an online program offered to newcomer and beginning level middle and high school students. Five content areas courses are offered and taught by ESL Teachers:
- Newcomer ELA
- Beginning ELA
- U.S. History
- Geography/Government
- Earth Science