English as an Additional Language
A. EAL SCHOOL INITIATED COURSES
These courses are specifically designed to meet the needs of students whose first language is not English and whose English proficiency is not sufficient to enable them to perform equally with students whose first language is English. Most students have been in Canada less than three years. Those with interrupted or limited education, no previous English and/or non-Arabic system usually take longer. Students are assessed initially using the Winnipeg School Division EAL Protocol for English and Mathematics skills.
EAL Early Literacy – LALIG Grade 9 – 1.0 Credit
LAL1G is the credit designation given to students with little or no literacy in their first language and qualify for the Literacy Centre (1 of 4 theWinnipeg School Centres). The primary mandate of the Literacy Centre is to foster the four main strands of language learning (reading, writing, listening and speaking) through interactive themes. Students are assessed as to their level of ability and they are planned for accordingly. A visual, auditory, kinaesthetic, tactile approach to learning is implemented. The premise is to equip the students from war affected countries that have little or no formal academic skills in their home languages with sufficient skills to progress to the EAL beginner level. Mathematics is also a focus of the program. Students arrive at the centre with somewhat limited ability in math skills. Through extensive use of visual aids/hands-on experiences, students progress through the mathematics continuum at their own pace.
Basic Beginner ENBU1G 1.0 credit Beginner ENBU2G CREDIT 1.0
Two levels of credit are available so the new student can get 2 semesters of English with a separate credit.
Beginners have little or no knowledge of English, their spoken English is difficult to understand and they have limited understanding of their new environment.
Beginner courses vary with the needs of the students, but all instruction and activities focus on integrating grammar and structure in a meaningful way in both spoken and written form. Listening and reading skills are also taught for meaning. Beginner level materials rely heavily on visuals and patterning. Students are tested on short units of work. At this level effort, participation and improvement weigh heavily in terms of marks. Independent testing is done in September, January and June to assess improvement and is not used in the calculation of a grade.
Intermediate EAL 31G ENIU3G 1.0 credit
Intermediate level students have a basic knowledge of English vocabulary and have some experience in the recognition and use of simple English structures but still cannot manipulate these structures to the extent of mastery. The acquisition of English is not a linear one. Students do not necessarily master one structure before learning another. When new structures are introduced and more choices become available to the learner, students often need to review and revise their learning. As a result, the selection of Intermediate materials and activities need to be constantly reviewed to determine mastery of structures and to introduce new ones. Students are tested on units of work to assess mastery and for diagnosis. Marks are assigned on the basis of unit tests, daily work and unit assignments. Improvement is determined in the same manner as the Beginner group using different levels of tests including some TOEFL testing.
Advanced EAL 41G ENAU4G 1.0 credit
Students in this course have a working knowledge of basic English structures and grammar. Students are usually able to cope in regular sections in most classes that are not language based. At this level students are required to read academic style articles; answer higher level thinking questions utilizing appropriate structures; practice speaking through role plays, group work, presentations and debates; do process writing assignments; interpret charts and graphs. Students are tested on unit work and TOEFL style tests involving listening, reading and writing. Marks are assigned on the basis of unit and standardized tests, assignments or projects done with lesser consideration given to the completion of assigned exercises (incomplete work will lessen the mark).
EAL Writing 21G WRIT21G 1.0 credit
This course is intended for intermediate and advanced students who need more writing skills to be successful in all course work. The course focuses on organization, pre-writing activities, word and idea maps, peer response and editing.
EAL Writing ENGT3E 1.0 credit
This course is intended for students who have completed S2 EAL English and Advanced English Grammar. The course focuses on process writing. Topics vary but usually include personal stories of family, loss, cultural adaptation, human rights and stereotypes. Students are assessed through a portfolio. Each unit involves directed journal writing, peer evaluation, instructor response, student revision plans and drafts and good copies. Students who successfully master this course go on to English at the E level or English 30S.
B. Department of Education E Designated Courses
Courses with an E designation follow Department of Education guidelines and have been altered for second language learners. They fulfill the compulsory requirements for graduation.
EAL English 10E, 20E, 30E, 40E ENGU1E ENGU2E ENGU3E ENGU4E
Appropriate novels, short stories and support texts are used at different levels. Some novels can are used at different grade levels depending on the ability of the group and can be adapted to the maturity of the group. The focus is on developing reading skills, study of themes appropriate to the group, and examination of literary devices. Evaluation is based on completion of units of study, responses, research (themes or authors), projects and quizzes. Students are expected to read books at their level for at least 30 minutes per day at homeand do various types of process writing.
EAL Subject Area Courses 10E 20E 30E 40E
These courses are based on Department of Education guidelines for second language students. Texts used by regular courses can be used and modified or supplemented with audio tapes. These courses fulfill the compulsory requirements for high school. Vocabulary and concepts are explained through visuals, field trips, hands-on activities, small group discussion, and art, etc. The use of graphic organizers, knowledge charts and webs are used to re-enforce content. Evaluation for each course includes marks for homework completion, attendance, effort, projects, presentations and tests.
EAL Science 10E/20E/30E SCIU1E SCIU2E
Topics are selected from the general science curriculum. The focus is on vocabulary development and basic science and study skills. Topics include lab apparatus, measurement, graphing, scientific calculations, matter, “kitchen chemistry”, microscopes, anatomy and electricity.
EAL Math 10E/20E, COMR2E, COMR2E, COMR3E
The focus is on integrating math and related languageskillswith emphasis on basic arithmetic skills and problem solving. Individualized instruction is emphasized and re-enforced on a regular basis with individualized computer lessons and small group work.
EAL Social Studies 10E SOSU1E
Topics center on the regions of Canada location, physical features, climate, resources, issues, Canadian government and elections. Students develop vocabulary, organize and interpret information and learn study skills useful in all content area courses.
EAL Geography20E GEOU2E
The course is a study of the geography of Canada and its regions, with an emphasis on the Prairies, Manitoba and Winnipeg. Topics of study focus on geography skills and language development through reading, writing, mapping, graphing and the use visual materials, hands-on activities and field trips.
EAL History30EHISU3E
Topics include a brief overview of pre-confederation Canada, Native peoples of Canada, pre-European contact, explorers, New France, and British-French conflict and a more detailed study of Confederation to present time. The aim of the course is to prepare students for citizenship as well as to develop skills in organized paragraph writing, research and study skills.
EAL Keyboarding TYKY2G TYKY3G, TYKY4G
This course is intended for students with little or no previous exposure to the computer and keyboarding. Skills focus on basic knowledge of the computer and introductory keyboarding skills. Students are assessed on mastery of skills taught. Some students require several levels prior to Advanced Keyboarding. These courses are taught by Business Education teachers.