Native Language Arts - English as a Second Language Program for Optional Assignment Pupils; School Year, 1974-1975.

This evaluation report is a description of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for non English speaking disadvantaged students whose ability to read and write in their native tongue or English was not adequate to permit school success. The program was funded under the Elementary Secondary Education Act Title I. The purpose of the program was to improve reading grades, reading comprehension, and auditory discrimination. Slightly less than 400 tenth through twelfth grade students from five high schools participated in the program. Students were referred to the program by teachers, guidance counselors, agencies, and family friends. Students attended double periods of ESL classes. Pre and post standardized tests assessed reading improvement and auditory discrimination of the students. The report concluded that all students improved their reading grades at least one grade level. In addition, 74 percent of the students achieved some improvement in English comprehension. (JP)