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English Language Development Program

Agora prides itself on serving students
to reach their highest potential.

The English Language Development Program at Agora supports English Language Learners (ELLs). It helps students build the English skills they need for classroom learning and daily communication.

At Agora, students speak many languages. For example, some native languages include Spanish, Arabic, Yiddish, Russian, and Chinese.

To ensure full participation, the school provides helpful tools and resources. For instance, translation services support both students and families. As a result, everyone can engage fully in Agora’s school community.

THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS

The application and enrollment process is the same for non-English speakers and all students at Agora.

For more details, visit the Enrollment page.

First, families complete all state-required documents. One of these forms is the Home Language Survey.

After you submit the survey, we review it with other student records. Then, we determine if placement in the ELD program is needed.

The survey asks two simple questions:

  • What is the student’s first language?
  • What language is spoken at home?

If you need language support, we offer translation services through TransPerfect.

Programming

English Language Learners succeed when they receive specially designed instruction that meets their language acquisition needs.

Like all students, they need effort, strong support from a learning coach, and steady determination to thrive.

  • When a family indicates that English is not the first language, the EL Specialist receives a notification. Then the team contacts parents for more information. In addition, Agora’s academic teams review the student’s unique language needs and plan next steps accordingly.
  • The EL Specialist gathers and reviews key information, such as birthplace, first language, and prior school experience. In addition, the specialist considers parent input, time in the U.S., and time speaking English. The specialist also reviews ACCESS scores (English Language Proficiency Assessment). Then the specialist shares the findings and collaborates with the team to plan support.
  • The EL Specialist partners with Agora teachers to design lessons and assessments for all learners. Additionally, the team uses the Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS) framework to guide targeted instruction.
  • Accommodations are made as needed to help bridge the language and academic gaps which are based on proficiency levels. Necessary accommodations for PSSA/Keystone are also made as needed.
  • Each year, the EL Specialist meets individually with students to administer the WIDA ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS assessment. During testing, the specialist follows PA standards and guidelines. As a result, the team measures growth in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Next, the specialist shares the results with families. Finally, the team follows PA state guidelines to exit students from the EL program.
  • Students use Imagine Learning EL, Reading A-Z, and other language programs to build language skills. In addition, these resources provide targeted practice and support. Students work independently, in small groups, or one-on-one based on their specific needs.

Parent Feedback

“I love you Agora. My children studied at Agora for 3 years. It was a great school for them. I had all the support of the teachers and my student advisor…Thank you Agora for all your support in the country for all immigrants.”

Diana ColebankFORMER AGORA ELD PROGRAM PARENT