Mandeville High School ESL Program
ESL I, II, III Reading I, II Study Skills I, II, III, IV
Syllabus 2015-2016
Teacher: Ms. Odak
Email: Linda.Odak@stpsb.org
School Phone: (985) 674-0550
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
ESL I, II, III—these courses are designed to promote English proficiency skills in the
language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing from beginner through
advanced levels. Students will acquire vocabulary, learn proper grammar and
mechanics, and improve reading fluency and comprehension through all content areas.
Emphasis is also placed on contextual understanding, making connections to real-life
experiences, interactive communication, understanding cultural practices and norms,
and personal expression. The core goal is to develop cognitive academic language
proficiency while concurrently expanding the basic interpersonal communicative skills
required to function successfully in daily life outside the classroom.
READING I, II—reading skills from beginner through advanced levels are developed
through the use of literacy strategies, understanding grammar, syntax, and standard
English conventions, and deciphering contextual clues in order to improve fluency and
decoding skills. Students will use all four language domains of listening, speaking,
reading, and writing to attain higher skill levels in reading comprehension as they
advance at their own pace using an interactive computer-assisted online language
development program or traditional text.
STUDY SKILLS I, II, III, IV—these courses develop language survival skills for daily life
and classroom work from beginner through advanced levels and provide a foundation for
academic success by sharpening skills in all areas of communication. Students will gain
an understanding of their own personal learning style, how to set goals, manage time, use
library resources, improve memory, effective note-taking and test-taking skills, and use
learning tools such as graphic organizers to strengthen literacy skills. Grammatical
practice, higher-order thinking exercises, and specific content area readings are also
targeted. Students will apply newly acquired study skills in authentic, real-life
experiences by employing the skills learned in class on actual assignments and test
preparations required for other classes.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
All students taking ESL classes will have individual lesson plans based on their
proficiency level. Materials, assignments, activities, and tests are designed to improve the
student’s ability to think, speak, read, and write in English. Content enhancement
activities will aid the student in all curriculum areas. Course pacing will be determined
on an individual basis depending on student’s proficiency level and amount of time
needed for skill acquisition in order to advance to the next level.
COURSE MATERIALS:
The online language development programs utilized in these courses include the Rosetta
Stone software program, an internationally acclaimed interactive language learning
program, and Achieve 3000, a differentiated instructional reading program to help
ensure college and career readiness by improving student literacy skills. The traditional
text series for beginner students is New Horizons language fluency program, and for more
proficient students, the National Geographic’s Edge reading series. Both are core reading
intervention programs specifically designed to build reading, writing, and language skills
utilizing texts that are motivating and relevant for high school students. Each one offers
supplemental material with a related grammar component and interactive practice
activities. Other enrichment texts such as The Oxford Picture Dictionary series, Practical
English, and Skill Sharpeners may be used as needed based on each student’s proficiency
level.
CLASS RULES:
 Bring all required materials to class and start on the daily bellringer promptly
 Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if further explanation is needed
 Obtain permission before speaking or leaving your seat
 Be respectful of others in class at all times
 Leave food, drinks, and electronic devices at home
 Wear correct uniform with your ID
 Put forth your best effort and participate
 Speak to the teacher and other students in English
ESL CLASSROOM POLICY;
1. Students have one week to make up work after absences.
2. In the case of prolonged absences (five days or more), students may make
arrangements to make up work after work from other classes is completed.
3. Students must speak in English in the regular classroom setting.
4. Students may ask for additional help with other class assignments. They may take
tests from other classes in the ESL classroom.
5. Students are encouraged to ask the ESL teacher for help with any school related
items.
CONSEQUENCES:
1. Warning/Student Conference
2. 15 Minute Detention with Parent Contact
3. 30 Minute detention with Parent Contact
4. Office Referral
The purpose of the class rules and ESL classroom policy is to help promote a positive
classroom environment where all students are secure with each other and motivated to
participate. Consistent respect for one another makes it a more enjoyable experience
overall. Hard work and effort will enable all students to reap the satisfaction and
confidence that comes with succeeding in a challenging course.
GRADING POLICY:
ESL I, II, III & READING I, II: 80% tests, quizzes, written, oral, and computer work
20% comprehensive exam
STUDY SKILLS I, II, III, IV: 80% assignments, projects, participation for other
classes, enrichment activities
20% Comprehensive exam
GRADING SCALE:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 67-74
F 0-66
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is critical to success in any course. Daily attendance provides opportunities
for language practice, engagement with other students, and a more meaningful learning
experience. For excused absences, it is the student’s responsibility to find out what work
was missed and make it up within the agreed upon time frame. Since all students in ESL
are learning at their own pace and have personalized lesson plans, you will need to email
or call me during your absence to find out what was missed or to speak with me as soon
as you return.
EXPECTATIONS:
 Get exposure to as much English outside of the school setting as possible: read
English magazines, newspapers and books; listen to the radio or watch television
in English; practice conversational English outside of the school setting.
 Write down any words or phrases you do not know to share in class discussion.
 Promptly inform me if you are having any language-based issues in any of your
other classes so I can help you. The ESL curriculum is designed to give you the
skills needed to succeed in your other courses.
I am willing to support, encourage, motivate and help each student every step of the
way, and I strongly encourage all students to speak with me about any concerns they
may have. In addition to course content and curriculum, I support all students as they
transition and grow on various levels: academically, culturally, and socially. My goal is
to help students adjust and integrate into a traditional American high school setting
so their experience at Mandeville High School will be a positive, enriching and
rewarding one.