English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a state-funded instructional program for eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12 (Georgia School Law Code 1981, § 20-2-156, enacted in 1985).

The ESOL Program has transitioned from a discrete skills curriculum to a standards-based curriculum emphasizing social and academic language proficiency. The program’s overarching standard is that students will use English to communicate and demonstrate academic, social, and cultural understanding. To reach this standard, it is critical that instructional approaches, both in ESOL and general education classes, accommodate the needs of Georgia’s linguistically and culturally diverse student and parent populations. To the extent practicable, it is appropriate to use the home language as a means of facilitating instruction for English language learners and communication with their parents.

Title III is a federally-funded program that provides eligible Local Education Agencies with funding to supplement those ESOL services already in place.

Additional ESOL information can be found on the Georgia Department of Education's website: CLICK HERE