For the 2024-2025 school year, Language Assisted (LA) Science will be reorganized into Multilingual (ML), Science Teacher Josh Koo said, and Physics, Chemistry, and Biology ML will replace Physical Science and Biology LA.

When English Language Learners enroll at South, they take the ACCESS test, which measures a student’s ability to communicate in English, and are sorted into either Physical Science or Biology LA based on their results, Koo explained. With transition from LA to ML Science, teachers can focus on more specific material, he said.

“Historically, we’ve only had two [classes],” Koo said. “[However], there was a huge range of learning in [just] one class. If we do three [classes], we can support students [better].”

ML classes will use science as a medium to learn English, often linking their native culture to concepts in class, Koo said. Because the classes will include different grade levels and languages, students will bring in experiences from all over the world.

“Let’s say we’re talking about density and mixing or putting things in water,” Koo said. “I might ask [students] to tell me [how to say water in] their native language, and I’d say water [in English]. [This way], we’ll connect English and [other] languages to learning.”

Koo and Jeff Rylander, Science Instructional Supervisor, are currently trying to expand the ML program to include Honors.

“We’re trying to give [an] opportunity for students [that] want to be challenged,” Koo said. “We’re not there yet, but we are working on laying the groundwork.”

Science Teachers Brandon Tucker and Jennifer Morris, along with Koo, will teach the three new ML classes. Koo, appointed as a ML Chemistry Teacher next year, is excited to find more ways to give support to South’s English learning population.

“My goal is not to assimilate [students], but to celebrate their identities and cultures while [teaching them] English,” Koo said.