English language programs are programs installed in schools for the purpose of improving the students linguistically. There are various English language programs in the field of education. A school can only use or implement more than one program according to their capabilities and also to fulfill the linguistic careers of the students. A school can also use a certain English language program according to the field that it is specialized. The teachers are trained more on these programs to make it easy for them to practice while handling the student.

For example in my school the English department use two basic programs that greatly help the English learners. There is the use of Submersion program. This is where the teachers give instructions using no other language but English alone. This is to enhance monolingualism among the students. The students should only use English in the particular field of study. Those who are poor in the language are usually pulled out of the class for special classes. In these classes only English is usually taught. The offering of the special classes to the language minority is of help that it puts every student to the same level in the use of the language.

The other programs used are the English Language Development Programs. They are a little bit similar to the emulsion programs since they also involve the use of English-only instructions. They are divided into various categories with each category having its function. There is the special designed academic instruction in English which is also known as sheltered English. In this program, the students practice higher and creative thinking skills, study English and improve their literacy skills. In the program; there must be active participation by each and every student, students have to socialize and interact, oral and written languages, and use of books and assignments. The students must also connect with their background knowledge where instructions are given in a procedure of three steps: preparing presenting and practicing. The other category is the ESL Pull-out which involves pulling out students who are poor in the language and taking them for special classes. The last category being the English Language Development (ELD).This program targets at making the English language best, high levels of literacy, and also academic growth and development.

The Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) is an organization that deals with interdisciplinary concerns of the students in a school. It consists of teachers of the school, parents, social workers, psychologists, and specialists. The members have the goal of solving problems for the students to improve their academic and behaviors. The team meets on various occasions and discusses the [problems affecting the students after they have been identified (Thomas, 2007). The problem identification process involves evaluation of the students and checking on the students’ progress.TAT meets regularly to offer assistance to the teachers in charge of the classrooms in strategizing the plans that have been laid down to produce success.

TAT operates in a process beginning when a parent seeks the assistance of the team. After receiving the request, the teacher concerned contacts the parent, the teacher meets with the teacher who’s supposed to be requested to discuss the concern (Thomas, 2007). The TAT now as a whole collects the information and analyzes it. Then a certain goal is set for the student whose parent had asked for assistance.

In conclusion, there are challenges that may face the team and hinder it from progressing with its activities. For example the teachers in the committee could be disagreeing now and then about the students. The parents also may disagree with the teachers about the goals that are to be set for their children. A good and successful team should be well coordinated and have discipline since its main objective is to install discipline in the students and ensure success of the students as a whole.

Reference

Jefferson, Thomas (2007): Teacher Assistance Team. Washington D.C

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