English Learners
Academics
English Learners
Accelerating English acquisition through Structured English Immersion — with support for success in every academic area.
English Learners (ELs) have the opportunity to accelerate their acquisition of English by participating in the Structured English Immersion (SEI) program. Leona Group embraces every opportunity to support success in all academic areas.
How Students Are Identified
A home language survey is used as part of the enrollment process to determine if the new student will take the Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA). This test measures how well a student knows English, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All students who qualify for English learner services take AZELLA annually to monitor progress. Students classified as English learners are offered language development support through one of the approved SEI Models from the Arizona Department of Education (A.R.S. §15-756.01).
Our SEI Program Models
SEI Pull‑Out Model
60 minutes per day of targeted English Language Development for all EL students, provided by an SEI-endorsed teacher, plus at least 60 minutes of integrated language development from grade-level content teachers.
SEI Two‑Hour Model
100 minutes per day of targeted ELD provided by an SEI-endorsed teacher, with English instruction integrated into content lessons and differentiated linguistic supports.
SEI Newcomer Model
100 minutes per day of targeted ELD for first-year students identified as Pre-Emergent ELs, plus 100 minutes per week of language instruction in the integrated setting.
Exiting the Program
Students reclassify from English Language Development services when they score Proficient on AZELLA. Students who enter with limited English language experience can expect to reclassify within 5–7 years; students who enter with English language experience may only need a few years of additional support.
Our Goal
Every English learner becomes fully proficient in reading, writing, listening, and speaking — and masters state standards for academic success as quickly as possible.
