Lowndes County Schools' ESOL Program

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program is a state-funded instructional program for eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12. The ESOL program provides standards-based instruction to help qualifying students overcome language barriers and actively participate in grade-level curricula both academically and socially. ESOL coursework is grounded in the integrated application of the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework (2020 Edition) and the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE), empowering English Learners to develop effective communication skills in English while demonstrating academic achievement, social competence, and cultural awareness. These instructional approaches, both in ESOL and general education classes, provide the supports EL students need to be successful.

ESOL Contacts

Home Language Survey

During initial enrollment in Georgia’s public schools, each student’s parent or guardian (enrolling adult) completes the state Home Language Survey (HLS) questionnaire so the school staff can identify students’ primary home language. The Lowndes County Schools online registration platform provides language options for viewing the HLS. If a written translation is unavailable, Lowndes County Schools provide free oral interpretation to ensure families understand and can accurately answer the HLS questions. Students are considered potential English learners if the initial HLS responses indicate a primary language other than English or American Sign Language (ASL). Students meeting this criteria must be screened for English language proficiency using the WIDA Screener or WIDA Alternate Screener.

School-Home Communication

School-home communication must be provided in a language that families understand. To facilitate this communication, translation and interpretation services are available at no charge to families who require assistance in understanding all district and school related information. Lowndes County Schools provides assistance to families of English Learners in their home language through the services of World Wide Interpreter and Lowndes County Schools interpreters. Families or students needing assistance in a language other than English should call 229-245-2250.

Parent Notification for English Learners

Parental notification is provided for the following:

• Initial notification of EL Eligibility and ESOL Placement

• Notification of ESOL and Title III federal program supplemental language services

• Notification of annual the ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS Assessment for English language proficiency

• Notification of annual the ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS Assessment score reports providing information on student growth in language proficiency across the domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

• Notification of student exit from ESOL Program