ESOL

The English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy is designed to ensure that multilingual learners thrive academically, socially, and culturally. Our program offers targeted language development instruction and school-wide support, enabling English Learners (ELs) to fully participate in all aspects of their education.

Through collaboration between ESOL teachers, classroom teachers, and support staff, students receive integrated instruction that strengthens both language skills and content knowledge. We focus on helping students grow in all four areas of language—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while also ensuring access to grade-level coursework across subjects.

Our ESOL program emphasizes inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful family engagement. We recognize that students’ linguistic and cultural backgrounds are strengths that enrich our school community. By partnering with families, providing translation and interpretation services, and offering culturally relevant resources, we aim to create a supportive environment where every learner feels welcomed and empowered.

Guided by the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards and the Georgia Standards of Excellence, our ESOL program is committed to preparing students for long-term academic success, confident communication in English, and full participation in school and community life.

Mrs. Drenita Williams-Garner

Mrs. Drenita Williams-Garner serves as the English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Liaison at Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in literacy development, language acquisition, and culturally responsive teaching to our school community.

She earned her Bachelor of Science from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, and later pursued advanced studies at National University, where she completed her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Her academic preparation, paired with her extensive classroom experience, has equipped her with a strong foundation in both instructional practice and student advocacy.

Now in her 29th year of teaching, she has taught 6th through 12th grade English Language Arts and ESOL, serving diverse learners across multiple grade levels. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping students gain confidence in their language skills, access rigorous academic content, and feel empowered in their identities as multilingual learners.

As the ESOL Liaison, she works closely with teachers, families, and school staff to support the linguistic, academic, and social-emotional growth of English Learners. Her passion lies in creating equitable learning environments, amplifying student voices, and ensuring that every learner has the tools they need to thrive.

Dedicated, knowledgeable, and student-centered, she remains a valued leader and advocate within the CSKYWLA community.

The English to Speakers of Other Languages Program of Atlanta Public Schools provides English Learners with support and instruction in the English language, American culture, and academic and cognitive areas in order to ensure success in the classroom, school, and the community. The goals of the program are as follows:

1. To develop competency in English in all four domains of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing;
2. To integrate language, cognitive, and academic instruction that enables students to develop English language proficiency and content area knowledge;
3. To support the curriculum based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence while emphasizing social and academic language proficiency;
4. To orient students and parents to the American culture and enable them to participate successfully in school and community life;
5. To ensure grade-level appropriate content for all ELs regardless of English proficiency level;
6. To ensure a focus on collaboration and shared accountability for the success of all English Learners.

The English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a federally mandated instructional program for eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12 (Georgia School Law Code 1981, § 20-2-156, enacted in 1985). The purpose of the ESOL instructional program is to provide English language development instruction and language support to eligible K-12 English Learners in Atlanta Public Schools for the purpose of increasing their English language proficiency and academic achievement.

The APS ESOL program is a distinct program designed to provide ESOL language instruction to eligible students from certified ESOL teachers and outreach and engagement activities to all limited English proficient and immigrant families. The responsibility for educating the whole English Learner student is shared by the regular classroom teachers and the ESOL teachers. Classroom teachers, ESOL teachers, and other support staff collaborate to determine the necessary instructional scaffolds and language-focused activities to make language and content as comprehensible as possible for ELs throughout the school day. The WIDA Consortium English Language Development (ELD) standards, integrated with the Georgia Standards of Excellence, guide the work of teachers to ensure the diverse needs of students are met. All APS schools utilize the state-approved ESOL delivery models. ESOL class sizes are limited to the maximum size specified in State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.08 Class Size, and all designated ESOL teachers must hold the ESOL endorsement or certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC).

The APS Multlingual Services team provides ESOL parent and community engagement and outreach and language translation/interpretation services. Per federal law and affirmed in APS Board Policy LEBB, all school – home and district – home communication must be in a language that parents understand. The APS Multilingual Programs & Services team assists in bridging the cultural and linguistic divides that often exist between the school and home through language support services, workshops, classes, trainings, and events that meet the unique linguistic and cultural needs of immigrant and limited English-proficient families and enhance their engagement with their child's school and the APS community.