English Learners Course Descriptions

EL0591 EL English Language Arts 9

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines.

Description: This course focuses on student’s development of reading and writing skills at the emerging level of language proficiency. Students will read a variety of text and genres. Students will write complex sentences to express ideas in the present and past tense to compose paragraphs. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Personal Identities

  • Families and Communities

  • Contemporary Life

  • Literature and Culture

  • Global Issues

State Course: 01999A000, English Language and Literature Other

EL0592 EL English Language Arts 10

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines.

Description: This course focuses on student’s development of reading and writing skills at the developing level of language proficiency. Students will read a variety text and genres. Students will expand on writing simple and complex sentences in present and past tense to compose essays. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Personal Identities

  • Families and Communities

  • Contemporary Life

  • Literature and Culture

  • Global Issues

State Course: 01999A000, English Language and Literature Other

EL0593 EL English Language Arts 11

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines.

Description: This course focuses on student’s development of reading and writing skills at the expanding and bridging levels of language proficiency. Students will read a variety text and genres. Students will interact with literature for a variety of purposes in reading and writing. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Personal Identities

  • Families and Communities

  • Contemporary Life

  • Literature and Culture

  • Global Issues

State Course: 01999A000, English Language and Literature Other

EL0536 EL English As A Second Language 1

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 2.0 (1 English Credit - 1 Elective Credit)

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines. This course is recommended for students whose overall composite score on the ACCESS assessment for ELs range from 1.0-1.9.

Description: This course is designed for students’ whose primary language is not English. It focuses on student’s development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at the entering level of language proficiency. Students will be exposed to essential vocabulary, grammar and functional expressions needed to communicate in English at an entering level. Students will receive native language (Spanish) support when applicable. This course is intended to be taken in conjunction with EL ELA 1.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Social Interactions

  • Global Science/Social Studies

  • Contemporary Life

  • Family and Communities

  • Celebrations and Culture

State Course: 01008A000, English as a Second Language

EL0537 EL English As A Second Language 2

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines. This course is recommended for students whose overall composite score on the ACCESS assessment for ELs range from 2.0-2.9

Description: This course is designed for students’ whose primary language is not English. It focuses on student’s development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at the emerging level of language proficiency. Students will be exposed to expanded vocabulary, complex grammar and a wider variety of functional expressions needed to communicate in English at an emerging level. Students will receive native language (Spanish) support when applicable. This course is intended to be taken in conjunction with EL ELA 2.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Social Interactions

  • Global Science/Social Studies

  • Contemporary Life

  • Family and Communities

  • Celebrations and Culture

State Course: 01008A000, English as a Second Language

EL0538 EL English As A Second Language 3

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines. This course is recommended for students whose overall composite score on the ACCESS assessment for ELs range from 3.0 on up.

Description: This course is designed for students’ whose primary language is not English. It focuses on student’s development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at the developing level of language proficiency. Students will be exposed to expressions, idioms and advanced grammar skills needed to communicate in English at a developing level. Students will receive native language (Spanish) support when applicable. This course is intended to be taken in conjunction with EL ELA 3.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Social Interactions

  • Global Science/Social Studies

  • Contemporary Life

  • Family and Communities

  • Celebrations and Culture

State Course: 01008A000, English as a Second Language

EL0544 EL Algebra 1

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: Algebra I provides students with the ability to problem solve and think critically about the world around them. Students will build upon the tools they learned in Pre-Algebra and take them into new functions types (Exponential and Quadratic) while preparing them for future high school math classes. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Solving, writing, and graphing linear equations

  • Solving a system of equations

  • Linear, exponential, and quadratic functions

  • Solving and graphing quadratic equations

  • Operations on polynomials

State Course: 02052A000, Algebra I

EL0542 EL Geometry

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: This course is focused on the geometry of shapes, planes and space. Emphasis is placed on understanding, applying, justifying, and developing geometric properties in two and three dimensions. Students will apply this learning to solve real-world mathematical problems. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Rigid Transformations, Angle and Line Relationships

  • Properties of Triangles, Polygons, Circles and 3D shapes

  • Introduction to Trigonometry

  • Forming Logical Arguments and using Deductive Reasoning

  • Real-world Geometric Modeling

State Course: 02072A000, Geometry

EL0547 EL Intermediate Algebra II

  • Grade Level: 11-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Geometry and eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: This course is intended for students who require additional supports for math. Instruction will focus on building a solid understanding of Algebra 1 concepts, as well as, build foundational conceptual understanding of Algebra 2 concepts.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Linear Equations

  • System of Equations

  • Polynomials

  • Quadratics

  • Radicals

  • Exponentials and Logarithms

  • Functions

State Course: 02056A000, Algebra II

EL0554 EL Integrated Science

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: Integrated Science Curriculum will explore scientific topics and their endless applications to everyday life. Over the two semesters of study, students will utilize the principles of scientific research to explore interactions between Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology, and Ecology. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • The Nature and Formation of the Universe

  • Newton’s Laws

  • Earth Systems

  • Coevolution of Life and Earth

  • Species Diversity

  • Human Impact on the Environment

State Course: 03201A000, Integrated Science

EL0556 EL Biology

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: Biology is a laboratory based course. In biology, students will study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. Students will independently design and carry out investigations, and communicate results. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Ecology

  • Matter and Energy

  • Homeostasis

  • Protein Synthesis

  • Cell Division and Reproduction

  • Evolution through Natural Selection

State Course: 03051A000, Biology

EL0561 EL World Studies

  • Grade Level: 9-10

  • Credits Earned: 0.5

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: The purpose of World Studies is for students to develop an understanding of how our modern society has developed over time. A thematic and interdisciplinary approach is used to understand the political, social, economic, and geographic forces that have shaped the past and continue to shape the present world. Learning activities include document analysis, discussions, role-playing simulations, and communicating informed and reasoned arguments. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • World Religions

  • Political Systems

  • Revolutions

  • Industrial Revolution

  • Imperialism

  • Global Conflicts

State Course: 22151A000, Career Exploration

EL0562 EL US History

  • Grade Level: 11-12

  • Credits Earned: 1.0

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: This two-semester, writing-intensive course traces the political, economic, and social development of the United States. Using a thematic approach, today’s present-day issues are examined through a historical perspective. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Settlement & Immigration

  • Role of the Government

  • Expansion & Imperialism

  • Modern Warfare

  • Equality

State Course: 04051A000, World History Overview

EL05720 EL American Government

  • Grade Level: 12

  • Credits Earned: 0.5

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

  • NCAA Approved

Description: This course is a study of the origins, development, structure, and functions of American national government. Basic concepts of state and local government and their relationships with the federal government are also examined. All students are required to pass this course and pass the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution exams. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Foundations of American Government

  • Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches

  • Civil Rights & Liberties

State Course: 04151A000, U.S. Government Comprehensive

EL05780 EL Health

  • Grade Level: 9-12

  • Credits Earned: 0.5

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

Description: This semester course focuses on students owning their personal wellness. Students will explore the areas of physical, mental/emotional, and social health. 21st Century skills of analyzing and using information, personal responsibility, and collaborating with others will be used as secondary targets. These skills are essential to support students success beyond the classroom. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Mental Health

  • Nutrition

  • Fitness

  • Emergency first aid (CPR)

  • Alcohol, tobacco, drugs

  • Sex Ed

State Course: 08051A000, Health Education

EL05820 EL Consumer Education

  • Grade Level: 10-12

  • Credits Earned: 0.5

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

Description: This class fulfills the State of Illinois Consumer Education requirement for graduation. It is designed to help students better understand the marketplace through the study of consumer rights, checking accounts, the banking system, budgeting, insurance, credit, real estate, consumer fraud, income tax, and investing. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Saving & Investing

  • Income Tax & Insurance

  • Credit & Banking

State Course: 22210A000, Consumer Economics/Personal Finance

EL05830 EL Career Planning

  • Grade Level: 9

  • Credits Earned: 0.5

  • Prerequisite: Eligibility for EL Services under ISBE guidelines

Description: Career Planning is a freshman course required for graduation. Over the course of the semester, students will work with topics that help them identify who they are, what they are interested in doing, and the potential paths available to getting there. By the end of the semester, students should have the resources needed to start planning their paths to their future. Students will receive ESL support and native language (Spanish) support when applicable.

Major Topics or Themes: (additional topics may be covered)

  • Self-Investigation and Awareness

  • Career Research

  • Post-Secondary and Job Readiness Skills

State Course: 22151A000, Career Exploration