The English as a Second Language (ESL) program serves students whose dominant language is not English. This year there are 29 English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 at the Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School. They come from Haiti, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, China, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.  They speak Haitian Creole French, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Italian. I enjoy working with these students because they come from unique backgrounds and we learn from one another!

Information about the ESL Program

Students who have a second language background are first identified through the Home Language Survey. To determine if these students qualify for ESL services, they are given the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT). A student's score on this test, along with other background information, is used in determining if the student qualifies for ESL services.

Students who qualify for ESL services meet with me either individually or in small groups. The focus of my instruction is placed on developing students' reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. My instruction is tailored to meet students' unique language abilities. My instruction also is related to the specific skills and concepts students are learning in their regular classrooms. I maintain contact with students' classroom teachers so that I can support students with what is expected of them in their classrooms.

These websites contain activities designed for English Language Learners. Check out these websites to have some fun while practicing your English language skills.

Questions or Concerns?

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 374-1144, extension 3562, or by e-mail at sapfelbaum@seal-pa.org.