ESL (English Second Language)

Sheltered Program

Sheltered instruction is an approach for teaching content to English Language Learners in strategic ways that make the subject matter concepts comprehensible while promoting the students’ English language development. In order to succeed academically, English Language Learners must master not only English vocabulary and grammar but also the way English is used in core content classes.  This academic English includes semantic and syntactic knowledge along with functional language use. The theoretical structure of the Sheltered Model is that language acquisition is enhanced through meaningful use and interaction where language and content objectives are systematically woven into the instruction.  The Sheltered Program, housed at both Stamford High School and Westhill High School, has been designed, as per State mandate, for newly arrived 10th, 11th, and 12th grade Spanish and Haitian Creole speaking students. The program is also available to other English Language Learner students in grades 10, 11, and 12 at both high schools.  The curriculum for the Sheltered Health, Math, Science and Social Studies mirrors the course of study in the regular education program, with instruction delivered in simple-to-understand English to make the content more comprehensible for English Language Learners.