English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a second language (ESL) services are offered throughout Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) as a component of our bilingual dual language program (Spanish/English), as well as for other language-minority students who attend ESL stand-alone schools. Classes are taught by certified ESL teachers at the K–12 level.
ESL is an integral component of the bilingual program; both ESL and classroom teachers are responsible for the student’s English language instruction. The ESL classes are taught utilizing a content-based team teaching approach.
The instructional approaches for ESL in the bilingual classrooms parallel pedagogical methodology of mainstream classes in content areas, and the state standards are utilized for instruction and achievement. The ESL teachers derive language objectives using the WIDA® Consortium's English Language Proficiency Standards for English language learners (ELLs) in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to ensure that ELL students are receiving the appropriate English content and vocabulary according to their individual English language proficiency (ELP) level. A variety of service delivery models based on student needs are practiced including pullout, team teaching, push-in, etc.
ELL students not enrolled in the bilingual program are placed into monolingual classrooms. Students receive native language support from bilingual teaching assistants and teachers when possible. Since students are immersed in a non-bilingual program, extra ESL support is helpful to the child’s well-being and academic growth and is encouraged. Students are typically grouped in ESL classes according to age. Integration of ESL and classroom instruction implemented through team teaching is recommended where feasible, especially for students at the intermediate and advanced stages of English language acquisition.
MPS Quick Reference Guides
Download our reference guides to learn more about how to support our new students. MPS offers information about the following countries and their cultures:
- Guide to Burma and Burmese Culture
- Guide to Colombia and Colombian Culture
- Guide to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and DRC Culture
- Guide to Tanzania and Tanzanian Culture
- Guide to Ukraine and Ukrainian Culture
- Guide to Venezuela and Venezuelan Culture
*2022 Wisconsin School Public Relations Association Excellence Award for Special Purpose Publication
More Information
If you have any questions about ESL programming in MPS, please contact Sarah Borges, curriculum specialist, at (414) 475-8732 or borgess@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.