Progressive English Program

Introduction to the Progressive English Program: 

The Progressive English Department is dedicated to developing our international students whose first language is not English to a level of fluency that will allow them to be successful both at Montverde Academy and at the college level after graduation. We work in conjunction with the English department and other academic departments to ensure the students who are in the Progressive English program are able to seamlessly integrate into the other courses offered at Montverde Academy.

To ensure that each student is successful, we have developed one of the most intensive and advanced English programs available. Students are placed into the program based upon their individual needs are advanced through the program at the rate that reflects their efforts and development. Our goal is to be able to move our PE students from the beginning levels to the regular English classroom as quickly as possible while still ensuring that the student is successful in language acquisition. Typically, we can expect our students to move through one level each semester, while some students may move at a faster or slower rate depending upon the effort and dedication they put into their studies.

Montverde Academy Progressive English Department offers 3 levels of English Language Courses:

Level 1 (Beginning level) courses have been developed to address the needs of students who have had very little English language experience or are limited in their means of English communication. In Level 1 students will receive intensive instruction in English in a completely immersed program. The students follow a seven class schedule which includes three different English courses and a history and a science course addressing the four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students are placed in regular math class according to their math placement test scores, giving them a chance to be in a class with native English speakers in a non-language based subject. The seventh class is a study hall which will allow them to practice their English, complete homework and study as needed.

LEVEL 1 CURRICULUM

• Composition I
• Literature I
• Speech I
• History I
• Science I
• Math (based on ability level)
• Study Hall

Level 2 (Intermediate level) students continue learning English, at a faster pace, with more focus on developing content as well as skills. There are five Progressive English classes at this level. Students are also able to take introductory courses in American History and Science. These introductory courses support the development of English language skills while providing the students with the content knowledge that they will need to enter higher level courses.

LEVEL 2 CURRICULUM

• Composition II
• Literature II
• Speech II
• History II
• Science II
• Math (based on ability level)
• Study Hall

Level 3 (Transitional level) Progressive English courses consist of a literature , a composition and a world history course. Taken together these courses prepare students for transitioning to higher level courses in English and it also focuses on the skills needed for taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam (TOEFL). Along with these three English courses, students will take a math class based on their capability, two regular mainstream courses and a study hall.

LEVEL 3 CURRICULUM

• Composition III
• Literature III
• History III
• Math (based on ability level)
• Elective course
• Elective course
• Study Hall

Placement:

All international students are evaluated for English Language Proficiency and placed in appropriate levels within the first few days of arrival at Montverde Academy. Placement is based upon:

• Proficiency test scores using the SLATE (Secondary Level Assessment Test of English)
• Teacher recommendation from previous schools
• Years of studying English language
• Recommendations of Dean of International Student Development
• Recommendations of Progressive English Department teachers

The SLATE score is a rough guide and does not guarantee placement in a given level. The Dean of International Student Development will be responsible for making the final decision based upon all available data.

• Semester exams scores
• All SLATE scores (administered by MVA)
• Teacher recommendations
• Semester grade performance
• Dean of International Student Development recommendation

Please note that SLATE scores are not the sole indicator of achievement and it may be in the best interest of the student to remain in a level to further develop skills that still may need improvement for future success.

Exiting Progressive English:

Many of our students are often ready to move into higher leveled English classes, however, many factors must be considered and taken into account when deciding to exit a student from the Progressive English Department. The most important factor is the teacher recommendation. At a minimum, we expect our students to achieve a score of 4 or higher on the SLATE test  in order to be ready for mainstream English classes and  final decisions are made by the Dean of International Student Development in consultation with the Dean of the Upper School. 

For further information on specific course offerings from the Progressive English Department please refer to the Upper School Curriculum Page.

All questions regarding the program may be directed to Ian Smith, Dean of International Student Development: ian.smith@montverde.org.