Prerequisite: Meets the exit criteria for the Intermediate ESL High School section
Duration: One year. Class meets two periods every school day
Credit: One English credit (0.5 academic elective credit; 0.5 values credit)

The ESL advanced class is an intensive English course taught by an English/ESL teacher. This course is for students who need additional ESL support in acquiring English. The teacher uses ESL techniques to enable students to acquire content knowledge. The development of English oral, listening, speaking, and writing skills is also emphasized. Therefore, this course balances direct skills-based instruction centered on textbook materials with literature-based instruction and draws upon a variety of educational experiences. Literal comprehension skills will be monitored and developed.

The ESL advanced class consists of the study of literature, reading in the content areas, writing/grammar, and vocabulary. Major genres of literature such as short stories, poetry, nonfiction and the novel are studied. The literature will also serve as a model of good writing and as a subject for students own writing. Students will write personal, critical, and creative responses to the literature, as well as writing a short research paper with a personal focus. They will also be given opportunities to write expressively and to develop their personal writing voice.

Grammar and usage skills will be reinforced in the context of student writing. Vocabulary will be addressed within the context of the literature. Oral abilities will be enhanced through literary interpretation of fiction, poetry, drama, and through presentations based on research.