Skip to Main Content

Literacy: ESOL

About ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a program that offers assistance to students who have another language in their background and need help in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English in order to be successful in school.

Teachers

Salem School District has 5 full-time ESOL teachers who serve the district’s English Learners:

Salem High School
LeeAnn Graichen

Woodbury
Taylor Soule

Barron/Lancaster
Kristine Nippert

Soule
Natalia Ethridge

Fisk/North Salem

Elizabeth Kane

 

FAQs

How are students identified for ESOL support services?
A Home Language Survey is completed at the time of school registration. If there is an indication of a language other than English, the form is forwarded to that school’s ESOL teacher. After a review of information, the student’s English skills are assessed.   Eligibility for services is based on those test results.

If recommended, is participation in ESOL required?
While parents may not deny the assessment of their child’s ability to speak, listen, read, and write English, they may deny ESOL services.

How are students exited from ESOL identification?
Whether or not a student receives ESOL services, annual testing is required by federal law and New Hampshire State Standards for English Language Learners.  During this winter testing, students are assessed in the four language areas: Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing.   When proficiency is demonstrated on this test, students are exited from ESOL identification.

What is Title III?
Title III is a federal grant program that provides financial assistance to school districts to ensure that children who are limited English proficient attain English proficiency and meet the same challenging State academic content all children are expected to meet.

How is Title III funding used in Salem’s Schools?
Adhering to Federal parameters for the use of Title III money, Salem uses the funds to:

  • Conduct family engagement opportunities for families of ESOL students
  • Offer a summer ESOL program for qualifying students
  • Provide professional development

Who are Salem’s ESOL service providers?
In addition to three paraprofessionals, the Salem School District employs five full-time ESOL teachers.  These five professionals: LeeAnn Graichen, Natalia Ethridge, Kristine Nippert, Taylor Soule, and Elizabeth Kane can be reached at their individual schools or by email.

What are some other supports for ESOL students and their families?

  • Translators and interpreters are used at parent conferences, special education meetings, and during standardized assessments as needed.
  • Written communication to families is translated, as needed.
  • ESOL professionals assist classroom teachers in developing and implementing appropriate classroom modifications
  • The Rosetta Stone web-based system for learning English is available for students and their families. 

Complaint Process

If you are unsatisfied with the district’s Title III / ESOL Program, or your child’s ESOL services, please follow these steps in order:

  1. Contact the ESOL staff member and/or classroom teacher. You can call, email, or write a letter.
  2. Contact the building principal. You can call, email, or write a letter.
  3. Contact the Director of Literacy. You can call, email, or write a letter:

    Tara Bazydlo
    Director of Literacy, Salem School District
    38 Geremonty Drive
    Salem, NH 03079
    phone: (603) 893-7040
    email: tara.bazydlo@sau57.org

  4. Request an appointment with the School Board through the Superintendent’s Office.
  5. Contact the Title III / ESOL State Director. You can call or email:

Wendy Perron
Title III State Director
(603) 271-2034
wendy.perron@doe.nh.gov

For all of these steps, you can arrange a meeting either by phone, or in person, at a time that is convenient for you. If you need an interpreter, one will be provided for you.