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English Learners Program

Supporting multilingual students on their path to academic excellence

Supporting English Language Development

At Colegio Petite Elementary, we celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of our student body. Our English Learners (EL) program provides comprehensive support to help multilingual students develop English proficiency while continuing to grow academically in all subject areas.

We believe that students' home languages are valuable assets, and we work to build upon these strengths as students acquire English. Our certified EL teachers use research-based strategies to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Program Highlights

  • Structured English Immersion (SEI) instruction
  • Arizona ELP standards-aligned curriculum
  • Small group and individualized support
  • Certified SEI endorsed teachers
  • Family engagement in home languages

Program Components

Language Instruction

Daily English language development focused on listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Content Integration

Language support integrated into all content areas for grade-level access.

Small Group Support

Targeted small group instruction to address individual learning needs.

Family Partnership

Communication with families in their home language when possible.

AZELLA Assessment

The Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA) is used to identify students who need English language support and to measure their progress toward English proficiency.

Proficiency Levels

Pre-Emergent

Beginning English learners just starting to develop English skills.

Emergent

Students developing basic English communication and comprehension.

Basic

Students with functional English skills who need continued support.

Intermediate

Students approaching proficiency with strengthening academic language.

Proficient

Students who have demonstrated English proficiency and are reclassified.

Structured English Immersion (SEI) Models

Colegio Petite Elementary offers three research-based SEI models to support English Learners at different proficiency levels.

SEI Pull-Out Model

Duration: 60 minutes per day of targeted English Language Development (ELD)

Students receive dedicated English language instruction outside the regular classroom while continuing to participate in grade-level content instruction.

SEI Two-Hour Model

Duration: 100 minutes per day of targeted English Language Development

An intensive model providing extended English language instruction for students who need additional support to accelerate their language development.

SEI Newcomer Model

Target Students: Pre-Emergent English Learners

Specialized support for students who are new to English, focusing on foundational language skills and cultural acclimation to help them transition successfully into the school environment.

Program Contact

Elvia Guevara

English Learner Coordinator

elvia.guevara@leonaschools.com

(520) 222-9213

FAQ

How is my child identified for EL services?

Through the Home Language Survey and AZELLA assessment upon enrollment.

Can I decline EL services?

Parents may waive services, but we strongly recommend participation.

How long will my child receive services?

Until they demonstrate proficiency on the AZELLA assessment.

Questions About Our EL Program?

Our team is here to help answer your questions and support your child's success.