Bentonville Public Schools

Federal Programs/Student Services

Federal Programs Director: Suzanne Nicholas
Phone Number: (479) 254-5019

Federal Program/Student Services Links:

ESL Program

As northwest Arkansas continues to become more culturally diverse, it is important for Bentonville schools to continually seek effective strategies to best serve our students who speak a native language other than English.

In the fall of 2004, Bentonville Public Schools established an English Second Language Welcome Center located at 1210 NW Leopard Lane (the building North of Lincoln Junior High School). This center conducts official English Language Assessments for each student whose Home Language Survey indicates they may be eligible for additional instructional language services through our ESL program. For each student participating in the English Second Language program, a Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) is established at the student's school to review their standardized test results as well as class grades to develop the student's language instruction plan. Parent and teacher input are also considered a key component in the development of each student's language instruction plan. The ESL Welcome Center also coordinates translation services for schools, parent conferences, etc.

The district currently employees 38 certified teachers who have completed extensive instructional training for English Language Learners and are ESL endorsed by the Arkansas Department of Education. Students in grades K-6 participating in our ESL program receive regular classroom instruction from certified, highly-qualified teachers. In addition, these students receive supplemental language instruction from certified, highly-qualified ESL endorsed teachers. In Grades 7-12, participating students receive regular classroom instruction from certified, highly-qualified ESL endorsed teachers. The ESL Program uses instructional methodologies that can be used with all students regardless of native language.

Collectively, there are thirty-five different languages spoken by students enrolled in our district and approximately 665 students participate in the district's ESL program.

Title I

Title I is the largest federal program for elementary and secondary schools. President Lyndon B. Johnson first enacted the Elementary & Secondary Education Act in 1965 and it is part of President Bush's educational reform “No Child Left Behind”. This legislation sets in place requirements that reach into virtually every public school in the nation. The major goals of Title I are to provide additional instructional support for students, staff development for teachers and parental involvement activities. Reading Recovery is an initiative that is supported in part by Title I funds.

Workforce Education

Career and Technical Education Director: Becky Kersey
Phone Number: (479) 254-5105

Career and Local Targets Information

Bentonville Public School's career and technical programs help secondary students succeed, build a stronger workforce and prepare for challenging and rewarding careers.

For most of these students, school is more engaging when they see how their courses relate to the world outside the classroom–and to their futures. When they make the connection, students spend more time on their studies, and ultimately do better in school. Career and technical programs provide students with this sense of relevance.

There are several benefits to students in taking Workforce Education Classes. They will acquire the skills necessary for all jobs, learn interpersonal skills essential for all relationships, and gain the required skills for everyday living.

The Workforce Education Student Organizations that are represented on the Bentonville campus include:

Courses are currently offered in the following program areas: