Time, Timing, Timetabling: Critical Elements of Successful Graduation of High School ESL Learners

Abstract

As we begin the new millennium, it is clear that the classrooms of today are unlike those of the past. The most visible change has been the diversity now present in our high schools, reflected in the large numbers of students who are learning English as a second language. These students are in the process of developing English language proficiency at the same time as they are pursuing high school graduation requirements. School administrators can apply what is known about the process of developing English language proficiency when making decisions about deployment of staff and building their school timetable. When time, timing, and timetabling converge in a school plan that permits the development of English language proficiency while ESL students are in the mainstream, the success of ESL students can be greatly enhanced.