Student Support
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program reflects the mission, vision, and core values of ISB by providing students the opportunity to learn English language, learn about the language, and learn through language. We believe multilingual learners learn best when language instruction is explicit and relevant, when students engage in and take ownership for their learning, and the process of learning is joyful and challenging. The EAL support model in the high school division is tailored to meet the increasing subject-specific language demands and aims to foster responsibility, independence, and self-directed language learning. High school students who are working towards proficiency in English, enroll in a fully credited EAL course aligned with Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standards for reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language. The course is designed to provide opportunities for advanced language learning including academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
Guided Study
At ISB, we believe that all students are capable of learning and finding success in school. We recognize that students learn differently and some benefit from additional skill building and individualized instruction. Guided Study is a course in which students receive personalized instruction based on their unique learning profile. For some, this means additional support with reading comprehension, writing or math. Others benefit from direct instruction in executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, time management and metacognition. The Guided Study course is taught by highly qualified Learning Support Specialists who understand learning differences. Our Learning specialists’ goal is to provide students with the tools they need to understand their own learning profile so they can advocate for themselves and be academically independent.