English Language Acquisition

Principal's Information Center

Principal's ELA Designations

"Teacher Resources"

In the Denver Public Schools, the ELA Program provides two methods of instruction for English language learners: Transitional Native Language Instruction (TNLI) and English as a Second Language (ESL). The goal of both methods is to provide English language learners with the English language skills they need to meaningfully participate in the District’s regular mainstream English classes.

In a TNLI model, students receive initial content instruction in Spanish along with daily English Language Development instruction. Then students transition to supported content instruction in English along with daily English Language Development instruction. Finally, when students have proved to be successful in reading, writing, listening and speaking English, they exit the ELA Program and receive regular mainstream English instruction.

In an ESL model, students receive supported content instruction in English along with daily English Language Development. When students have proved to be successful in reading, writing, listening and speaking English, they exit the ELA Program and receive regular mainstream English instruction.