English Learner Support Services
of
Fairfield County
Inspiring and Empowering Newcomer Youth
Member of Norwalk Acts, part of the STRIVETOGETHER Cradle to Career Network
Norwalk High School and
Brien McMahon High School
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English Learner Support Services (ELSS) has been collaborating with Norwalk Schools’ English Learner Department to offer newcomers an innovative school-based program: ASPIRE [Academic Support Program to Inspire, Reinforce, and Empower].
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ASPIRE works primarily with students who have little to no background in English, and we aim to strengthen their proficiency at a faster pace.
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ASPIRE accomplishes its goals by establishing a friendly learning environment. We instruct in small groups that meet every other day. Sessions are incorporated into the students' school schedule to maintain consistent program attendance.
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ASPIRE instructors are experienced and dedicated professionals who hold certification, a degree, or both in teaching English as a second language.
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ASPIRE has been effective in significantly improving students' language skills, confidence level, classroom participation, school attendance rate, and overall class grades.
ASPIRE students at NHS above and BMHS below received certificates in May 2019 during an ice cream social to celebrate the end of the program year. Thank you for a wonderful year!
ASPIRE is made possible by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 100+ Women Who Care Fairfield County, Norwalk's Multilingual Learner Department, and other supporters.
Thank you for your generosity!
