Whether a student immigrated to the U.S. in their freshman year or halfway through high school, the International Program is here to support them on their educational journey.
This international program is an initiative designed to assist English learners in navigating the challenges of a new language and culture while ensuring they have the opportunity to academically succeed.
Although classes for English learners have been integrated in the California school system since 1972, the LAUSD International Program was started two years ago.
The program currently accommodates approximately 380 students, highlighting the demand for such educational support.
Students are enrolled in the program initially to improve language skills.
“When students with no English skills show up, they are placed in a two-hour block, which is International Level One,” Emergent Bilingual Coordinator Ms. Martinez said. “Those students would then be enrolled in a common English class as well as an English Language Development (ELD) class.”
This dual approach allows for both focused language instruction and integration into the broader curriculum.
Ms. Martinez oversees both newcomers and current students, focusing on creating an environment where all English learners (ELs) can work toward achieving proficiency in English.
Her role includes academic support as well as guidance to help students adjust to their new surroundings.
“My job is not only to focus on newcomers but on all the English learners (ELs) and get them to English proficiency,” she said.
However, with numerous students and few staff, it becomes difficult to accommodate the needs of all students.
“There’s only about 10 kids in the class that’s supposed to help me learn English,” sophomore Kateryna Davydova said. “I’m not really sure, but I just don’t feel as though I get much help. The coordinators try to help, but it’s just not enough.”
The length of the program also relies on the efficiency at which students learn English.
“I have been in the ELD classes, and later the program, since 9th grade,” senior Brian Daniel Gutierrez Alvorado said. “Some students can test out early while some stay in the program all through high school.”
Students in this program also have their own requirements, in addition to common graduation requirements like A-G courses, volunteer hours and Service Learning project.
“They have to meet the same requirements as a native speaker, which, if you think about it, is difficult,” Ms. Martinez said.
The International Program is crucial for supporting immigrant students, but more resources and larger staff are needed to enhance their academic success.
“I wouldn’t say that the program completely helps but I would be lying if I said my English wasn’t better than it was before,” junior Heidi Vega added.
Students in the program are striving to achieve their language goals and their accomplishments are often not easy.
“The one thing I want to make sure that everybody understands is that those in the International school want to learn, they want to graduate, and they want to be understood,” Ms. Martinez said. “I don’t want people to think that the international kids don’t know anything because they don’t speak English.”
