NPR Tells Why Group Work is the Key to Learning English at San Francisco International High
By Guest Blogger Kyle Halle-Erby, Span Program Director, San Francisco International High School
Earlier this semester, KQED came to San Francisco International High School (SFIHS) to see how we use group work to support our students in their English language development. Group work, or complex instruction, are common teaching practices that can positively impact all students. However, for our population of English learners and our unique approach in the International’s Network, group work is an essential way that we harness our language diversity to enhance student’s language and content acquisition.
Please enjoy this snapshot into Heather Heistand’s 12th grade English classroom and some reflections on SFIHS from current students, as well as our principal, Julie Kessler. Even in a short segment, Julie is quick to call out the work of the ACE Learning Center at SFIHS that supports our graduates after graduation through their first year of college.
As she puts it, “We believe that our responsibility is not about a high school diploma. It is about a real life.” Thanks to the support of ACE, we are able to meet that responsibility as best as we can through.