Courses

EL English 1 Reading & Writing (2 periods) - Winnetka Campus

This course is for newcomers with a limited background in English. It uses an integrated approach to use the home language as a support English learning. It integrates writing and grammar instruction and offers daily opportunities to use spoken language to develop confidence in social and academic contexts. The reading component focuses on building and expanding foundational English vocabulary, with a focus on high frequency words and academic vocabulary. Students also use resources  and technology to support basic comprehension and cultivate independence. (Sheltered English class)

EL English 2 Reading & Writing (2 periods) - Winnetka Campus

This course focuses on developing intermediate academic language skills, using an integrated approach to reading and writing instruction. In reading, the course develops academic reading skills and builds core academic English vocabulary. In writing the course combines grammar study with a writing workshop approach that emphasizes a multi-stage, process writing. The course also includes frequent opportunities for speaking and class debates. Both parts are done with a focus on making connections to students’ home cultures and understanding American culture. (Sheltered English class)

EL English 3 Reading & Writing (2 periods) - Winnetka Campus

This course focuses on building advanced academic language skills for the more advanced group of English Learners, using an integrated approach to reading and writing instruction. The writing component incorporates grammar study with a writing workshop approach that emphasizes a multistage, process writing. Students focus on academic essay writing in literary analysis and other writing modes to prepare them for future English classes. The reading component focuses on the development of academic reading skills by covering literature in all genres and making connections to content through literary analysis. Students read core literary works of the English department including The Odyssey and Romeo and Juliet, while drawing connections to themes and stories from their home cultures. (Sheltered English class)

EL English Resource (1 period + mainstream English class) - Winnetka Campus

This course serves advanced English Learners as they begin mainstream English and social studies classes. Here students develop reading strategies, find relevant background information, design a careful writing process, develop strong habits in editing, increase college-level vocabulary, and strengthen study skills. The class  helps students incorporate these strategies into their daily habits,  and become independent learners. The teacher will check in with English and social studies teachers, but students will learn to develop their own self-advocacy skills.  This course is taken in addition to a mainstream English class and receives minor credit. (Sheltered English class) 

EL Chemistry (2 periods - class + lab days) - Winnetka Campus

This laboratory course is only open to students with limited English proficiency.  Chemistry concepts covered are presented with more emphasis on units that focus on building quantitative skill and mathematical relationships. Students build academic vocabulary and develop their written and oral language proficiency.  The course covers the following chemistry units: states and properties of matter, basic atomic theory, periodic laws, chemical formulas and equations, chemical reactions, mole concepts, stoichiometry, matter and its changes, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, acids and bases. This course fulfills the physical science graduation requirement and the AP prerequisite. (Sheltered English class)  

EL Biology - (2 periods - class + lab days) - Winnetka Campus

In this laboratory science course, studies include four major themes: Ecology, Cellular Biology and Genetics, Evolution, and Human Anatomy and Physiology (including the dissection of the fetal pig). Each theme is explored using laboratory exercises, library and internet research, group projects and presentations. All students will observe and participate in the same activities regardless of English proficiency. Students develop academic vocabulary and laboratory skills to be successful in other science classes. Also, students will work closely on effective textbook reading and analytic writing skills suited to their level of English proficiency. They will develop language and thinking skills through meaningful interactive problem-solving experiences. This course fulfills the biology graduation requirement. (Sheltered English class)

EL Global Studies (1 period) - Winnetka Campus

In this course, students will explore a variety of social studies topics, including current issues, sociology, economics, geography, and human rights. Students will study countries and cultures from around the world, frequently incorporating the diverse backgrounds of the EL student population. The course includes a special emphasis on developing content-specific academic vocabulary, increasing proficiency in academic reading, effective public speaking and evidence-based writing. (Sheltered English class)

EL United States History (1 period) - Winnetka Campus

This course teaches EL students about American history, government and values. Because our students come from other countries, the course provides extra background about the fundamental ideas, people, events and conflicts in American history. This sheltered course also focuses on building academic vocabulary, understanding cultural background and context, and developing proficiency in academic reading, speaking and writing. Students will develop skills in map analysis, reading primary sources, research, writing, and multimedia presentations. This course includes the study of the federal and state constitutions and fulfills the graduation requirements for United States History. EL Global Studies is a prerequisite for this course. (Sheltered English class)

EL Math Resource (integrated with science labs) - Winnetka Campus

This course serves English Learners as they transition into mainstream math classes. The course primarily helps students identify new vocabulary in advance of each chapter and provides strategies for learning and properly applying the terms.  Additionally, there is support for understanding math concepts as they relate to the difficulties faced by English Learners. The teacher will be in contact with the classroom math teacher, but there is also a focus on helping students develop their own self-advocacy skills.  This course is taken in addition to a mainstream math class. (Sheltered English class)