English as a Second Language

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program supports English Learners (ELs) in order for them to attain English proficiency while at the same time achieving academic success.

The first step in identifying our English Learners (ELs) is the completion of the Home Language Survey (HLS). The HLS shall be completed by every student upon initial enrollment in grade K -12 in Gaston County Schools. If a language other than English is listed on the HLS, a copy must be given to the ESL teacher/department in order to make a determination as to the student's primary language. The HLS must be placed in the student's cumulative folder.

English Learners in elementary, middle school, and high school receive either ESL content based pull out services with small group instruction or as an ESL elective class where students receive grades and course credit. ESL instruction is based on the student's language proficiency levels and grade level and designed to develop all four language domains:  listening, speaking, reading, and writing. North Carolina is part of the WIDA Consortium and our ESL teachers plan lessons based on the NC English Language Development (ELD) Standards as well as the Common Core State Standards.