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ESOL & Migrant

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

ESOL is the state-funded language instruction educational program for eligible English learners (ELs) in grades K-12 in Georgia public schools (Georgia School Law Code 1981, §20-2-156, enacted in 1985). ESOL language instruction is focused on developing EL students’ academic English proficiency in each content area of the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE). The WIDA Consortium English Language Development (ELD) Standards aligned with the GSE guide the work of ESOL teachers. Differentiated instructional practices, both in ESOL and general education classes, ensure that the language development needs of Georgia’s EL students are met. In ESOL language programs it is appropriate, when practicable, to use the student’s home language as a means of facilitating instruction and providing limited English-proficient (LEP) parents with school-related information. 

The goal of the ESOL language instruction educational program for EL students is to increase both English language proficiency (ELP) and academic language proficiency in content-area subject matter. Successful ESOL language programs focus on collaboration and shared accountability for the success of all EL students.

ESOL instruction provides English Learners with a language focused environment to develop the academic language necessary to demonstrate complex thinking and learning across the disciplines. Students learn to recognize and use language explicit to the task in the four domains of reading, writing, speaking, and listening through engaging interactions with teachers and peers.

Purpose and Use of ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

  • Help students understand their current level of English language proficiency along the developmental continuum.

  • Serve as one of multiple measures used to determine those students prepared to exit English language support programs.

  • Provide teachers with information they can subsequently use to enhance instruction and learning in programs for their English language learners.

  • Provide districts with information that will help them evaluate the effectiveness of their ESL/bilingual programs.

ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 will continue to assess each of the four language domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing separately.


​About Migrant Education

The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a federally-funded program designed to support comprehensive educational programs for migrant children to help reduce the educational disruption and other problems that result from repeated moves.