English as a Second Language (ESL) at City High

We are so excited to welcome your student(s) and your family to our City High community!  We strive to create an environment at our school that celebrates all cultures and backgrounds.  Below is some basic information about our ESL program.  Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about the program or our approach to multicultural education at City High.  

ESL Mission Statement

The mission of City Charter High School, a technology infused public school, is to graduate students of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) who are academically, technologically, personally, and socially prepared to succeed in post-secondary education, training, or employment. Using a team approach along with a variety of learning experiences and opportunities, City High cultivates a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous environment by recognizing and nurturing individual talents, needs, and skills of English Language Learners.  
 

ESL Program Overview

City Charter High School uses the EL Specific English Only Instruction model of instruction. The pull-out model, which is defined as pulling students from the regular education classroom and providing instruction in a smaller English learner classroom, is implemented for qualifying English Learners. The model also includes occasional push-in support to the regular education classroom and curriculum based on each student’s need.  All EL Specific English Only Instruction is provided by a certified Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) ESL teacher through a yearly contractual agreement.   

We utilize the National Geographic Edge Curriculum. We also use TalkingPoints for translated texting options with teachers and TransPerfect for translated documents as well as live translation for phone calls and meetings.  

 

Program Goals

City Charter High School provides a research-based ESL program for its students who are identified and assessed as English Language Learners (ELLs) with the following goals.  Our students will be able:  

• To read, write, listen, and speak in English for both academic and social purposes.
• To learn the concepts and skills of each content area so they are able to comprehend and engage in all subject matter while becoming proficient in English.  
• To participate in all areas of school culture and become contributing members of the learning community.

Program Objectives

• To implement and maintain consistent procedures for the ESL identification process.
• To allow every ELL to achieve academically while becoming proficient in English.
• To assess all ELLs annually.
•  To provide for parent/family involvement so that they may participate in the education of their ELL(s) as well as school activities.  
• To provide equitable access to district programs and services.  
• To monitor the progress of all ELLs during and for four years after program participation.
• To evaluate the success of the ESL program and make necessary modifications.

 

Questions or Concerns? 

Contact: 

School ESL Coordinators
412-690-2489 

Angela Welch
Education Manager & Assistant Principal
welch@cityhigh.org

Cristine Watson-Smith
ESL Liaison and Program Coordinator
watson-smith@cityhigh.org

Michelle Fossum
Director of Enrollment
admissions@cityhigh.org

AIU ESL Teacher
Kristen Lynch
klynch@cityhigh.org