Innovative and Mandated Programs

Standardized tests have been used to measure student achievement and ability for many years.

In our reading and math "prep" classes we support our students so that they can learn and work independently.

In our reading lab programs, we teach the students that there are three different ways to read:reading the actual lines, reading "between the lines" (inference), and reading "beyond" the lines ( application to one's own life).  In presenting these skills, we provide materials which help children recognize and apply reading strategies for more purposeful reading, for critical reading skills, and for reading various types of writing.

Our math lab program emphasizes new math concepts and new math thinking while reviewing the basic skills.  Students must understand math, not just memorize it.

What our students can do today with assistance, we hope they will be able to do by themselves tomorrow.  This is our goal as basic skills teachers.

The E.S.L. Program

George Washington Middle School houses the ESL program for all ESL students in grades 6 through 8. This warm and supportive program offers linguistic, academic and emotional assistance to students whose primary language is not English. The students are grouped by English proficiency into a beginner, intermediate or advanced language program.  Each student is enrolled in an English writing and grammar course, as well as, sheltered English and American History courses.  For the remainder of their academic day, students are in mainstream courses with the general student population. Special activities and programs throughout the year, such as peer leader luncheons and a multicultural fair, ensure that students become acclimated and comfortable with their new language and culture.

Eligibility

Any student whose primary language is not English is eligible to take the entrance test for the ESL program. Testing is available throughout the year. In alignment with New Jersey State Guidelines, students are tested for our program using the ACCESS for ELL screening exam. Entrance into the ESL program is based on the student's score on this exam.

Exiting Students into a Mainstream Program

Studies on English language acquisition has shown that while it takes 3-5 years for a student to gain social language skills, it takes nearly 6-8 for him or her to become competent in academic language. Therefore, students new to the language have the opportunity to receive support from the ESL program for as long as it is deemed necessary and academically beneficial. At the end of each school year, all students take the ACCESS for ELLs exam to determine their progress and placement for the followin year. Students exit the program based on a holistic evaluation: their ACCESS for ELLs score, academic performance throughout the year, teacher evaluations and parent input. Our primary concern is the success of your child. We want to ensure that they are well prepared and academically capable of understanding the material and thriving in a mainstream environment.

The ESL Faculty

We are thrilled to be working with the ELL population at George Washington Middle School and try to do everything possible to ensure that your child has a positive experience in this school and country. To that end, we are available to meet with your child for extra help or meet with you to discuss any area of concern you might have. Please contact either one of us with any comments or questions. We look forward to hearing from you!