Programs and Services for Students
What program options are available for English-language learners in DPS? Regardless of which program you choose, your child will receive dedicated English Language Development support and instruction in content areas from qualified teachers. At DPS, we offer three main types of ELA programs: • ELA-E (also known as English as a Second Language): In an ELA-E program, classes are taught in English by teachers with special training to help students become fluent in English. Your student will also receive special instruction in English Language Development. ELA-E programs are intended for speakers of languages other than English. • ELA-S: This program is for Spanish-speaking students. Students are instructed in Spanish and English. As students learn more English, the proportion of English instruction increases, leading to literacy in both languages. ELA-S teachers are fluent in Spanish and are specially trained to teach your child English. • Dual Language: Some DPS schools are dual-language schools. This means that all students at the school receive instruction in both English and Spanish throughout the day.
What if my school does not offer the program services I want my child to receive? ELA Zone Schools provide program services that may not be offered at your nearest school. Students are eligible for transportation to their ELA Zone School if they meet district transportation eligibility requirements. Parents may also use the SchoolChoice process to select a school that best meets their student’s needs. For more information about ELA services, please visit ela.dpsk12.org or call our hotline at 720-423-2040.
Enrichment Opportunities The DPS Gifted and Talented Department offers enrichment opportunities to all DPS students. Students are welcome and encouraged to participate in enrichment programs offered at their school. To enroll your child in enrichment programs, please contact your school. Enrichment programs offered at your school may include: • Destination ImagiNation
• National History Day
• Mathletics/Mathcounts
• Math Olympiads
• Semantics/Spelling Bee
• National Geographic Bee
• Optimist Brain Bowl
• Young Authors Celebration
• Future Problem Solvers
• Global Scribes
For more information about enrichment opportunities, please contact your school, call the Gifted and Talented Department at 720-423-2065 or visit gt.dpsk12.org.
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