School-1st quarter complete

The 1st quarter has come and gone for me this year.  I have been teaching ESL and reading classes as always.  Many people ask what I do at school, well, below is one of my responsibilities.

I have had a new position at school.  I am the ALP (alternative language program) Lead.  It means I am in charge of all the students in my school that qualify for ESL (English as a second language) services.  At some schools, this is a small group of students, not for me.  When I was first given the list, the man said "Wow! You have a big list."  I have learned it is the largest for junior highs in our district which means maybe the largest in the state or second largest.  I monitor 600 students, 200 students have tested out of the program. I will note that our school has 850 students. It leaves 400 students who are my main concern. 10 students are ESL level I, (no speaking English), they have been in the country about one year or less.  10 students are level II (3 years in America), 200 students are Level III, most of these students are verbally proficient, but struggle with reading and writing in English.  It is hard because many students are not literate in their first language or have whole in their education experience.  I will also include that many of these students (100) have IEP (individualized Education Plans) and receive special education services.  Can you imagine trying to learn two languages and have processing difficulties?  There are about 200 students that are Level $ and 5.  They receive limited services, aka they need to have one teacher that is ESL endorsed (which at our school is 3/4 of the faculty). 

I also help lead the reading dept.  We test every student who enters our school (about 5 new students every week throughout the year).  We decide if they need extra help in reading and place them in the appropriate reading class.  We have 3 leveled reading class.  This does not include special education services.  I constantly use data making sure students are placed in the correct classes.  If students show they are fluent readers and comprehenders over the 6th grade, we don't require a reading class.  I teach 80 students, plus 240 students also in other teacher's reading classes.  Yes, about 320 students are reading below the 6th grade level. 

I will add that I love my job.  It is hard and exhausting, but I love it.