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Teacher, students showcase English‑learner classroom work at Eastern Pulaski board meeting
Summary
At a board meeting of the Eastern Pulaski Community Sch Corp, an English‑language teacher described instruction for 20 English learners and several students demonstrated classroom activities — including close reading and vocabulary games — that staff say build academic language and confidence.
At the Eastern Pulaski Community Sch Corp board meeting, an English‑language teacher described the district’s program for students learning English and invited several pupils to demonstrate instructional activities.
"I have the privilege of working with students in grades K through 12 who are learning English as a second language," said Mr. McIntyre, the district English‑language teacher, noting the program currently serves 20 students from kindergarten through 11th grade and that students come from Spanish, Punjabi, several African language, Polish and Filipino backgrounds. He said the district uses the WIDA assessment to measure proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing and that instruction is scaffolded so students learn academic English alongside grade‑level content.
Several students then described classroom practices they said helped them learn. A fourth‑grader said the class uses "close reading," reading the same text multiple times, to build vocabulary and understanding. Another student said vocabulary games and speaking practice helped them form sentences and gain confidence in class. "This really helps me learn by listening to other people," one student said.
Board members and the audience applauded the students’ presentations. Board members praised the teachers and families for supporting student participation and noted the value of bilingualism in the district.
The spotlight segment concluded and the board moved on to routine business, while several board members later reiterated thanks for the teachers and donors who support classroom activities.
