FOCUS ELI
Many students use FOCUS ELI as a stepping stone to our middle and high school programs. Social activities are planned in conjunction with CONNECT, FOCUS and the Young Writers Workshop. Students will also participate in a required weekend trip to Philadelphia, PA and New York City.
| Eligibility Curriculum Teacher Reports |
Long Weekend Trip Course Descriptions |
Eligibility
Participants must be non-native speakers of English who have studied English at least two years in their home schools and who can converse in English. All FOCUS ELI candidates must submit with an application, application fee, topic essay, current transcript, school recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and two recent compositions written for English class with their teacher’s comments and corrections. It would also be helpful to provide some record of standardized testing in English.
Curriculum
Each student is required to take both the reading and the writing courses. In each course, emphasis is placed on class discussion, group work and writing. Students write at least one paper a week and have individual conferences with their teacher to review their papers.
FOCUS ELI Reading Levels
PROFICIENT: This level enhances students’ ability to understand texts in English by focusing on the development of reading comprehension strategies. Students are introduced to literary devices and context embedded vocabulary studies are emphasized.
INTERMEDIATE: This level focuses on the introduction of literary analysis through the use of literary devices. Students’ reading comprehension skills are assessed and used as a tool to guide instruction. Vocabulary exercises focus on application.
ADVANCED: This level provides students with the tools they need to analyze texts critically and independently. Literary devices are reviewed and reinforced. Vocabulary enrichment also remains a central focus.
FOCUS ELI Writing Levels
PROFICIENT: This level enhances students’ ability to express themselves adequately through writing in English. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary and grammar development, as well as on reinforcing basic skills in English communication. Students are introduced to methods of using literary and poetic devices in their writings. This course utilizes daily group work and daily one-on-one conferencing with teachers to practice skills.
INTERMEDIATE: This level focuses on furthering students’ grasp of written expression in English, as well as developing their “writing voice.” Students are expected to write informatively and with effective fluency. For some assignments, students have a choice of topics, while others are assigned directly by the teacher. Conferences with teachers are focused on revision and improving editing skills. Grammar and vocabulary review occur as needed.
ADVANCED: This level affords students the greatest amount of independence in choice of writings, as well as the highest level of responsibility for their learning. Students engage in daily writings, discussions, and collaborative work. Persuasive writing and debate occur in this course, as well as an emphasis on writing with a greater deal of style and perception. Students also take the initiative to research, write and edit.
Course Descriptions
FELI70 Expository and Creative Writing
Students improve their skills in writing English. Students complete forms of expository writing such as a description, a personal narrative, and a compare-and-contrast essay; then, for creative writing, they will write pieces such as a poem and a short story. For each writing assignment, they pursue the process of planning, writing a first draft, revising, completing the second draft, and sharing their work. They also write regularly in a dialogue journal and engage in class discussions to increase their fluency in the language. Each student has conferences with the teacher about his/her writing.
FELI80 Reading Non-Fiction and Fiction
Students improve their skill in reading English. First, students will read a variety of non-fiction works such as autobiography, biography, newspaper and magazine articles, as well as works published on the Internet. For the second two-week session, students will read a variety of fiction genres such as poetry, short story and excerpts from novels. Students are expected to volunteer in class discussions, read aloud, participate in small group activities, and write short critical and creative responses to the readings. They also practice a variety of organizational techniques using various graphic organizers and note-taking skills.
Third Course
Two carefully designed third courses complement the FOCUS ELI reading and writing classes. During weeks one and two, students will take Study and Organizational Skills and during weeks three and four, Public Speaking.
Third Course - Weeks 1 and 2
FEL075 Study and Organizational Skills
Students learn strategies that develop better study skills, preparing them for the demands of eth rigorous academic environments of schools in which all classes are taught in English. Note-taking, notebook organization, time management, organizing study hours and study routines are stressed. In addition, research skills, such as using the library and Internet, and how to highlight reading articles are taught.
Third Course - Weeks 3 and 4
FEL085 Public Speaking
Effective oral expression is an essential skill to master. Attention is given to a student’s stance, projection, articulation, tone, eye contact, and pacing. Students speak on a variety of themes including descriptions of events and places, and persuasive speeches. Students learn to express themselves with greater confidence in both small and large group settings.
Teacher Reports
Each student will receive a progress report after the first two weeks. This progress report is shared with the students by his or her adviser so students can learn how to improve their work for the next two weeks. A final rating and a written report is sent home at the end of the Summer Programs. Reports are also written for the third class.
Long Weekend Trip
Participants in the FOCUS ELI Program will travel to New York City and Philadelphia over the high school Long Weekend. This trip is required for all students enrolled in this program.
Some highlights of previous trips have been:
- Statue of Liberty
- Ellis Island
- Phillies professional baseball game
- Independence Hall