In the past few years, the Caldwell County School system has enrolled an increasing number of non-English language background students.  The purpose of the English as a Second Language program (ESL) is to provide experiences that promote individual and social well-being and to provide equal educational access for students whose primary language is not English.  It is an interdisciplinary program that helps students acquire essential skills for learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture.  Recognizing that each student is unique, it is an aim of the program to be responsive to the initial and changing needs of the student and to maintain flexibility within the program.

The ESL program emphasizes instructional assistance in the four skills areas of language development: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  As such, the ESL program assists non- or limited English speaking students in developing English language skills at a level which will enable them to perform successfully in mainstream classes and to function successfully in the cultural mainstream.

The ESL program is committed to encouraging a positive self-concept; to maintaining a healthy attitude toward individual differences; and to creating a school-wide climate of understanding, empathy, and interaction among faculty, students, and staff.

from: Caldwell County Schools Curriculum and Instruction; Ref. Local Practice; A-7800