Franklin County Schools English Language (EL) Program

The Franklin County Schools English Language (EL) program is one that provides instructional support for children who are learning English. The purpose of our EL program is to ensure “children who are limited English proficient, including immigrant children and youth, attain English Language proficiency, develop high levels of academic attainment in English, and meet the same challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards as all children are expected to meet.” (ESEA Part A, Section 3102).

The staff of the Franklin County Schools believe that all children should be held to high academic expectations, and that all children should participate in the general education program to the maximum extent of his/her abilities with appropriate support. It is in the general classroom setting with English speaking peers that students learning English will be the most motivated to communicate ideas and knowledge.

Each student identified as an EL student will have an individual plan written with his/her specific strengths and weaknesses in mind. EL students shall continue to have equal access to district programs, including but not limited to gifted and talented, special education and other nonacademic/extracurricular activities. Although parents are encouraged to allow their children to participate, the program is not mandatory.

The EL Program is designed to provide English language learners with the English language competencies needed to participate successfully in grade-appropriate instructional activities in challenging academic subjects.