New bilingual students are tested for English proficiency as soon as they enroll. Depending on the test results and their level of knowledge of the English language, they are offered one of the following three options: Bilingual Orientation Center, ELL Center School, or mainstreaming.

Bilingual Orientation Center (BOC)
This option is for those students with the least knowledge of English. Younger students attend an Elementary BOC. Older students (grades 6-12) attend the Secondary BOC. At the BOCs, students receive focused instruction in learning English while studying language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the rest of the required curriculum. Students typically remain in a BOC for one or two semesters then transfer to an ELL Center School.

English Language Learning (ELL) Center Schools
Most Seattle schools have an ELL or ESL (English as a Second Language) program, in which students new to the U.S. receive additional English language instruction. In some schools, students learn English and study the regular curriculum in their ELL program. In other schools, students attend a separate ESL class once a day.

Students who have completed a program at a BOC usually are transferred to an ELL Center school. Students may receive help in their home language from a Bilingual Instructional Assistant who can translate homework instructions, help the student understand assignments, and explain English concepts and vocabulary.

Mainstreaming
Students who already speak English well or who become highly proficient in English are mainstreamed, that is, assigned to regular classes with no special instruction in the English language.

Teachers and Instructional Assistants
Seattle Public Schools employs specially trained ELD (English Language Development) teachers in its bilingual programs. In addition to providing ELD instruction, these teachers typically instruct students in one of the required curriculum subjects, for example, social studies, science, or mathematics. They also maintain student records, prepare progress reports, administer tests and assessments, and coordinate bilingual instructional assistants, tutors, and other staff who may assist in or outside of the classroom.

Bilingual Instructional Assistants (BIAs) provide  instruction and academic support to the students in their native language. They also communicate with the students' families regarding student progress, school events, parent concerns, conferences, and other relevant topics. A school is assigned Bilingual Instructional Assistants if there are sufficient numbers of students at the school needing bilingual services.

Updated January 3, 2005