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English Language Development

The English language development program at Burr and Burton Academy offers students the instruction and support needed to succeed in an immersive English environment. Vermont students identified as English language learners are required to receive English language instruction, as are international students who have not yet met Burr and Burton’s required level of English proficiency. All international students must matriculate into at least one mainstream English class before graduation.

  • English Language Arts 1

    This skill-building course is designed for students who find conducting daily life in English to be challenging. Students learn to compose emails and take notes, as well as summarize and draw conclusions about stories. They build media literacy skills through leveled research projects, descriptive and evidence-based writing tasks, and by collaboratively solving literary-based mysteries. ELA 1 prepares students for ELA 2 or North American History.

  • English Language Arts 2

    Designed for students who can use English productively in social situations and can compose short writing pieces about familiar situations and hobbies, this skill-building course helps students learn to discuss and deconstruct stories and podcasts by using targeted academic language. Students expand their evidence-based writing skills by drafting text responses and expository pieces. ELA 2 prepares students for ELA 3 or North American History.

  • English Language Arts 3

    This course is designed for students who can use English to describe experiences, events, and ambitions. Students learn to support their thoughts and opinions clearly and cohesively through speaking and writing. They compose thoughtful responses to literature, analyze texts, podcasts and documentaries; they participate in critical discussions; and, they construct argumentative and persuasive essays. It is recommended that ELA 3 students advance to ELA 4 or to The Language of Literature.

  • English Language Arts 4

    Designed for students who can proficiently use English to communicate about literature, this student-centered course helps students refine their skills so they can contribute productively and work collaboratively in a CP English class. Students deconstruct, annotate, and analyze literary texts and pursue several self-directed projects. ELA 4 students advance to a CP English class or to The Language of Literature.

  • English Language Support

    An individualized English language support class is available for students who would benefit from additional language-based academic support in order to succeed in their core classes. Students may take the course in conjunction with other language development classes and may repeat the course for credit with permission of the teacher.

  • North American History: The First Americans Through the Civil War

    This course is a student-centered class designed to strengthen students’ critical thinking skills while simultaneously gaining a chronological understanding of American history. It is intended for students who are new to the American education system and who do not yet have the foundational knowledge and/or reading comprehension skills to succeed in CP World and U.S. History classes. The curriculum is offered in two parts; students can take them in any order:

  • The Language of Literature

    Designed with college readiness in mind, this course focuses on reading and analyzing poetry, short stories, and novels. Students explore both popular and classic literature with an emphasis on American authors. In addition to active reading, writing is a central component: students draft literary analyses, complete a research-based project, and construct and deconstruct argumentative essays. Daily activities reinforce grammar, usage and mechanics. Students learn how to embed quotes, use MLA formatting, punctuate properly, and avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism. Highly recommended for advanced level students planning to attend U.S. colleges.
     

Faculty

  • Photo of Kelly Cray
    Kelly Cray
    English, English Language Development
    Cultural & Language Support Teacher

Offering every student a world of opportunities.

Burr and Burton Academy

57 Seminary Avenue
PO Box 498
Manchester, VT 05254
Phone: 802.362.1775, Fax: 802.362.0574