English Learners Department
Building Language Skills for Academic Success
Welcome to the English Learner (EL) Department Webpage at Greater Lawrence Technical School. GLTS has a diverse student population and currently services approximately 175 students from several countries speaking different languages and dialects. The district is dedicated to offering the highest quality educational opportunities to all students to ensure English Language proficiency and achievement of Massachusetts content standards, while simultaneously creating an environment that values students' native languages and cultural backgrounds.
Purpose of Webpage
This webpage was designed as a resource for GLTS parents/guardians, students, teachers, and staff to learn about and have access to information and programs specifically tailored to EL students. It is crucial that all stakeholders know about the opportunities that are available to them at school, and in the community. Many resources presented are conveniently available online and some are available in English and in Spanish. Much of the information on this website is categorized and alphabetized for easy reference.
Purpose of EL Department: Empowering Future Professionals
Our EL team is a mutually accountable group committed to supporting student learning in the content and career areas while developing proficiency in English listening, speaking, reading and writing. We are dedicated to empowering students to become responsible citizens. The EL team aspires to promote cultural proficiency throughout the GLTS community.
Program Design
The goal of our district's English language arts education program is to ensure its English Learners have the most appropriate program of study that validates their cultural heritage while at the same time enabling them to gain proficiency in English and academics. As such, GLTS has thoughtfully developed a comprehensive EL program throughout grades 9-12 to ensure students linguistic and academic needs are met at all learning levels. Course and curriculum development is not static, but rather ongoing and fluid as students require varying amounts and types of support within the year and from year to year.
Resources
Find helpful resources for students, families, and teachers using the links below.
The Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) English Learner Handbook is a compilation of documents and information derived from the English Language Department, the WIDA consortium and the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The purpose of this Handbook is to offer guidance to Teachers, Specialists, Support Staff, and Administrators who work with English Learners at GLTS. It is designed as an overview of the program and services offered through the English Learner Department.It is intention of the department, that this document provides information and clarity to ensure that English Learners (ELs) receive the sound linguistic and academic support they need to access and achieve within the curriculum, co-curricular activities, and interscholastic sports. The content contained in the manual follows a sequential format beginning with the identification of English Learners and continues with information regarding program implementation and exit criteria. ELs at GLTS are assessed, instructed, and monitored thoughtfully, comprehensively, and diligently.
Contact Information
Greater Lawrence Technical School
57 River Road, Andover, MA
978-686-0194
EL Department ext. 1050