Limited English Proficiency Program

The English Language Institute's Limited English Proficiency program is entering its eighth year of serving the needs of international children in the public elementary and secondary schools. Because of the wide age range of the students, the program is taught at four different sites by five instructors. Last year ELI instructors served over 130 children from more than forty countries.

At Gallaher Elementary School, Jan Lefebvre teaches pupils from four to nine years old typical American songs, games and stories as part of instruction designe to help them learn to understand and speak English. Her students also learn rudimentary reading and writing skills and develop their cognitive abilities.

Nine- to twelve-year-olds continue to expand their English skills through cooperative learning at Pulaski Intermediate School. Their instructor, Kathy Vodvarka, also works with them to develop their early reading, writing and subject area skills.

Jo Gielow refines her students' reading and writing development at her site, Shue-Medill Middle School. She also helps her group of twelve- to fourteen-year-olds make the transition to academic classes such as science, social studies and algebra through independent study centers that she designed.

Lisa Stevens and Anne Shoemaker are the instructors at the Newark High School site. Their students, ages fourteen through eighteen, study American history and sharpen the English skills they will need to further their future careers in American workplaces and universities.

Jo Gielow and her Limited English Proficiency class at Shue-Medill Middle School take a well-deserved break.