About Language Tree Online
The founders of Language Tree Online have served the education market for over 15 years. Our team consists of educators with deep knowledge of English language standards working hand-in-hand with creative and technical talent. The end result: ELD programs that are standards-aligned, academically rigorous and fun for students.
Curriculum development is led by David Noyes, a National-Board certified ELD instructor and award-winning curriculum writer. With over 28 years of classroom experience, David knows first hand the challenges of teaching English to students from a variety of cultures and educational backgrounds. He was especially concerned about older students with limited transferable language skills (SIFEs) and long-term English learners (LTELs) who were most at risk.
Unable to find tools that adequately address the needs of these students, David partnered with Language Tree Online. Together, we developed standards-based, age-appropriate instructional programs for schools that meet middle and high English learners at their individual levels.
What Makes Our Approach Unique?
We take a different approach than other English language development tools by treating ESOL students individually and holistically.
Individualized ELD Instruction
We recognize English learners possess varying degrees of literacy due to different schooling experiences in their home countries. Students will also naturally have strengths and weaknesses in different language areas. Our ELD program starts with an in-depth formative assessment based on the latest ELD standards. This allows educators to pinpoint the exact language areas where each student needs more support. The year-long program combines a self-paced online curriculum and downloadable teacher resources for use in small or whole class instruction.
Aligned with English Language Development Standards
To accelerate student progress through the ELD proficiency levels, the Language Tree Online instructional modules are aligned with WIDA Prime V2 Correlation Criteria for English Language Learners. In addition to the latest WIDA edition, our curriculum aligns with California 2012 ELD standards, used by the English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC) and Texas Essential Skills and Knowledge (TEKS). Our program is also correlated with the NY Next Gen ELA Standards as well as the Louisiana ELP standards.
Multi-Sensory Input
Providing equity of access for all levels of English learners is our goal. Therefore, we embedded multi-sensory techniques, such as video, audio and images, to enable learners of any proficiency level to easily comprehend lessons and instructions. To ensure that the learning experience is engaging and relevant to teenage learners, our online programs present realistic peer-to-peer interactions both in and out of the classroom. We also combine video instruction with fun, interactive features such as quizzes, self-recording and writing exercises.
Acculturation and Functional Knowledge
The importance of acculturation should not be overlooked. Newcomers often face socio-emotional hurdles at school due to misunderstanding of norms and expectations. This can make learning and integration difficult. We help students overcome the daunting aspect of entering the American school system by introducing school-related norms and practical tips. The American School Culture module for Newcomers combines knowledge transfer with functional vocabulary lessons to help students smoothly transition into their new school environment.