Educational Service Unit No 5 offers interactive learning opportunities for schools within ESU 5 boundaries and beyond. In these classes, the teachers reside at ESU 5 and provide class via distance learning systems.
ESU 5 is currently in its 16th year of providing a variety of interactive distance learning opportunities to school districts through the use of desktop videoconferencing systems.
Science
The science program has two teachers who provide instruction to over 50 sections in grade levels 3-6 in 11 school districts serving over 1,500 students. Classes are offered on a quarterly, biweekly or weekly basis throughout the school year. Our two science teachers develop and deliver the curriculum in a hands-on, inquiry-based method. The science curriculum is built to make science exciting for students in an effort to raise their interest in science classes and science-based professions.
In addition to the center-based science classes, ESU 5 also offers summer science camps to area schools. These 2-day science camps are hosted by ESU 5 staff at each specific school site. Our camps offer eight fun, hands-on science activities for students in grades 4-6. These camps have, in the past, included bridge building challenges, programming robots, building rockets, making gummi worms, and so much more!
Contact Annette Weise, Alternative Program Director, for additional information.
Email: aweise@esu5.org
World Language
The ESU 5 Distance Learning World Language Program is rooted in NDE’s World Language Standards. We incorporate digital learning best practices into a distance learning context.
At ESU 5’s World Language Program, we share three belief statements:
- We believe All Students can be successful
- We believe in a positive classroom environment
- We believe in World Language best practices
Our curriculum focuses on fostering communicative ability in our students. This means, instead of emphasizing grammar rules, we engage students with activities promoting proficiency. Each unit begins with six days of instruction concentrating on helping students learn new vocabulary: words and phrases specific to the unit’s topic. During this time, it is the students’ responsibility to actively listen and participate in vocabulary memorization games. We then spend three days helping students use those targeted words / phrases in conversations among peers in the class and potentially across school districts. Finally, each unit includes a presentational piece asking students to produce the language in written and/or oral form. We wrap up units with empower learner activities engaging students in reflective practices, helping them to own their own learning.
Program data indicates students enjoy our classes, are motivated to learn Spanish, value learning a second language, and succeed at acquiring the language.
Spanish course offerings include:
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 3/4 - Dual Credit 1 offered in collaboration with Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU 1010 and 1020)
- Spanish 5 - Dual Credit 2 offered in collaboration with Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU 2010)
- Exploratory Middle School Spanish
Classes occur daily and meet college requirements for two years of World Language.
Contact Dr. Nick Ziegler, World Language Coordinator, for additional information.
Email: nziegler@esu5.org