| INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS |
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is committed to providing a World-Class Education to meet the needs of our diverse student population through a high quality system. The instructional program is implemented in PWCS through the curriculum: a planned, systematic approach to instruction which outlines the knowledge and skills to be taught in each subject at each grade level in all schools. The curriculum ensures a uniform, high-quality instructional program with objectives for each grade level and subject area. Aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL), the curriculum specifies what students should know and be able to do, and serves as an instructional guide for teachers to ensure that every child learns essential skills and concepts. The curriculum includes goals, benchmarks, learning objectives, successful instructional strategies, and resources designed to ensure student progress and achievement. One instructional technologist and at least one librarian are assigned to every school to support the instructional program. For more information see Student Learning and Professional Development Home page. The kindergarten curriculum includes mathematics, language arts, and social studies taught in integrated, meaningful ways that are also developmentally appropriate. The curriculum also includes art, music, and physical education instruction, and emphasizes the social and personal development of each child. All PWCS elementary schools provide a full-day kindergarten program. The curriculum for elementary grades 1 through 5 emphasizes language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science as integral parts of the elementary educational program. Teaching specialists are provided for instruction in art, music, and physical education, and reading specialists and guidance counselors are assigned to each elementary school. Title I schools have additional reading and mathematics support teachers. For students requiring the services of programs such as Gifted Education, Special Education, and ESOL, additional instructional support is offered. The middle schools incorporate grades 6 through 8. Students in these grades receive concentrated instruction in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. The middle schools also offer an exploratory arts program which includes art, technology education, and family and consumer science. Physical education, music, and health instruction are also included in the middle school program. High school mathematics and foreign/world language courses are offered in all middle schools. Reading specialists and mathematics support teachers are assigned to each middle school. High school students are offered a full range of courses in the core areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. A wide variety of foreign/world languages are available at each high school as an elective study option. Students may enroll in career and technical education programs in agriculture, business and information technology, marketing, family and consumer sciences, technology education, health and medical sciences, and trade and industrial education. High school career and technical education courses offer students numerous opportunities to earn a professional license or industry certification, as well as advanced college credit through dual enrollment (in college and high school simultaneously). College preparatory classes, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge courses are available to all students. |
| STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES |
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is taken by students interested in going to college and is used by colleges as one criterion for admission. Scores for the SAT at the national and state level were stable over the last year based on the latest available data. For recent scores: Testing Office Home Page |
| GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS |
In order to graduate from a Prince William County high school, students must earn 22 standard units of credit as approved by the Prince William County School Board. Students may elect to receive an Advanced Studies Diploma by earning 24 standard units of credit as prescribed by the State Board of Education. In addition, students must earn six verified units of credit for the standard diploma or nine verified units of credit for the Advanced Studies diploma. For more information, parents may contact their child's high school counseling office or visit the Student Services Department's Web Site or call: 703.791.7257 |
| VIRTUAL LEARNING |
The Virtual High School @PWCS offers PWCS students the opportunity to take a variety of courses online to earn high school credit. Courses in language arts, math, social studies, science, health and physical education, and foreign language are offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions. All courses are aligned with county objectives and the Virginia Standards of Learning. For more information: call 571. 261.4517 or email Gina Jones or visit the Virtual High School Web site.
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| SPECIALTY PROGRAMS - HIGH SCHOOL |
Each high school in Prince William County offers a specialty program. Students residing in Prince William County on January 1 must submit a required application form by February 16, 2010 to be considered for admission. Students moving into the county after January 1 should contact the coordinator of the program(s) of interest for more information. If a program receives applications for more students than the program can accept or the school can house, a lottery is held to select program participants. Under conditions of extreme overcrowding of a given school, a program may be open only to students within the school’s boundary and may be closed to all transfer students.
This brochure includes program coordinator contact information and information meetings dates and locations scheduled in 2008-09. Students within the boundaries of Beville, Lynn, Godwin, Graham Park, Lake Ridge, Potomac, Rippon, Saunders, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the specialty programs offered at Potomac and Gar-Field High Schools. Students from Benton Middle School who would attend Forest Park or Hylton are also eligible to attend these programs. Students within the boundaries of Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the programs offered at Brentsville and Stonewall Jackson High Schools. Students from Benton Middle School who would attend Brentsville or Osbourn Park are also eligible to attend these programs. For the Center for Information Technology, students within the boundaries of Benton, Beville, Lynn, Godwin, Graham Park, Lake Ridge, Potomac, Rippon, Saunders, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the specialty program offered at Forest Park High School; and students within the boundaries of Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the programs offered at Battlefield High School.
The Center for Environmental and Natural Science (CENS) is located at Freedom High School. CENS offers a four-year program of studies designed to include strong laboratory and field investigation components. The curriculum is integrated with other educational disciplines to allow students to understand relationships between environmental science and these disciplines as well as to appreciate its relationship to everyday life. The program features interactive environmental projects that make use of the on-site greenhouse, aquarium, and wet pond. The emphasis is on awareness of our environment and the way ecosystems operate. The program of studies includes a sequence of required CENS science courses and a strong mathematics program in addition to CENS courses in language arts and social studies. For more information, call 703.583.1405.
The Biotechnology Center The Biotechnology Center is located at Osbourn Park High School. The program offers students a challenging and enriched science curriculum with a strong emphasis on biotechnology, medical sciences, and interrelationships among scientific disciplines. During freshman and sophomore years, Biotech Center students participate in integrated humanities courses that extend the program. The program stresses problem solving and hands-on learning as well as science literacy. Students also participate in community service and extracurricular science enrichment activities. To participate in this program, students must enroll each year in a designated Biotech Center science class and complete a sequence of Biotech Center courses from grades 9 through 12, including an independent research credit during the senior year. For more information, call 703.365.6500. Center for the Fine and Performing Arts The vision of the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Woodbridge High School is to encourage and develop creativity, self-expression, academic achievement, and critical thinking in the young artist. Upon graduation, students will have mastered a common core of learning that supports the broader education of the artist and promotes a respect for cultural diversity. As a result of this training, the student will have the skills necessary to be successful in a university arts program and to become a valued participant in the larger arts community. The program offers opportunities to study in one of several concentration areas including creative writing, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, music technology, theater, and visual arts. To participate in the program, students must complete an audition and/or present a portfolio. Students accepted into the program must be enrolled in at least one class in the fine and performing arts and must complete a sequence of classes from grades 9 through 12. For more information, call 703.497.8000.
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| SPECIALTY PROGRAMS (page 2) - HIGH SCHOOL |
Center for International Studies and Languages The Center for International Studies and Languages at C. D. Hylton High School provides a comprehensive program of study with a focus on global awareness. This program advances understanding of global issues with respect to cultures and languages; information and communication; and political, economic, and environmental systems. Field experiences such as student exchanges, Model United Nations, and travel support the curriculum. To participate, students must be enrolled in at least one social studies class and one foreign language class as components of the program each year and must complete a sequence of these classes in grades 9 through 12. For more information, call 703.580.4000. Cambridge Programme The Cambridge Programme offers an innovative, international, preuniversity curriculum and examination system that can be tailored to students' interests and abilities. Courses are based on an investigative approach to learning with students using initiative and creativity in solving problems. The external assessments by the University of Cambridge International Examinations include written examinations, project work, and individual research. Juniors and seniors taking advanced-level courses can qualify for an Advanced Interational Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma. To participate in the program, students must enroll each year in at least one Cambridge course and must complete a sequence of such classes in grades 9 through 12. For more information, call Potomac High School at 703.441.4200, or Brentsville District High School at 703.594.2161.* International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Stonewall Jackson High School and Gar-Field Senior High School each offer a rigorous four-year academic program authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) of Geneva, Switzerland. This integrated and sequenced program begins with freshmen and sophomores in IBMYP classes offered in all academic areas. Junior and senior programs are externally moderated and assessed by the IBO. The full IB diploma program includes the unique characteristics of a 4,000-word extended essay, documentation of 150 hours of community involvement, and a seminar course entitled “Theory of Knowledge.” To participate in the program, students must enroll in a sequence of IB classes in at least one core or elective area from grades 9 through 12. For more information, call Gar-Field High School at 703.730.7000 or Stonewall Jackson High School at 703.365.2900.* Center for Information Technology Battlefield High School and Forest Park High School each offer opportunities for students to study a wide range of information technology programs covering three main areas: mathematics and computer programming, graphics and multimedia, and hardware and networking. An extensive advanced placement program is available. Programs leading to professional and general certifications are offered. These programs include computer graphics, multimedia, computer repair, programming, and networking. Students need at least two years in upper-level classes to prepare for the advanced graphics, programming, and network certifications. To participate in the program, students must be enrolled in at least one IT core class and it is recommended that students complete a sequence of IT classes. For more information, call Battlefield High School at 571.261.4400, or Forest Park High School at 703.583.3200.* *Boundaries for Center for Information Technology, Cambridge Programme, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Students within the boundaries of Beville, Lynn, Godwin, Graham Park, Lake Ridge, Potomac, Rippon, Saunders, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the specialty programs offered at Potomac and Gar-Field High Schools. Students from Benton Middle School who would attend Forest Park or Hylton are also eligible to attend these programs. Students within the boundaries of Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the programs offered at Brentsville and Stonewall Jackson High Schools. Students from Benton Middle School who would attend Brentsville or Osbourn Park are also eligible to attend these programs. For the Center for Information Technology, students within the boundaries of Benton, Beville, Lynn, Godwin, Graham Park, Lake Ridge, Potomac, Rippon, Saunders, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the specialty program offered at Forest Park High School; and students within the boundaries of Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the programs offered at Battlefield High School. |
| SPECIALTY PROGRAMS - MIDDLE SCHOOL |
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIALTY PROGRAMS:
Nine middle schools in Prince William County offer specialty programs. Students residing in Prince William County by January 1 must submit an application form by February 16, 2010 to be considered for admission for the upcoming school year. Students moving into the county after January 1 should contact the coordinator of the program(s) of interest for more information. If a program receives applications for more students than the program can accept or the school can house, a lottery is held to select program participants. Under conditions of extreme overcrowding of a given school, a program may be open only to students within the school’s boundary and may be closed to all transfer students. For information, call 703.791.7400. Middle School Mathematics and Science Program Graham Park, Marsteller, and Rippon Middle Schools currently offer an intensive program in mathematics and science to challenge and motivate students while developing their critical thinking skills through discovery and exploration. Students within the attendance boundaries of Benton,* Beville, Godwin, Graham Park, and Saunders Middle Schools are eligible to attend the program at Graham Park Middle School. Students within the attendance boundaries of Lynn, Lake Ridge, Potomac, Rippon, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the program at Rippon Middle School. Students within the attendance boundaries of Benton*, Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the program at Marsteller Middle School. For more information, call Graham Park Middle School at 703.221.2118, Marsteller Middle School at 703.393.7608, or Rippon Middle School at 703.491.2171. International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Beville, Godwin, and Stonewall Middle Schools offer the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP). The programs at all three schools have been authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). These programs offer a challenging, comprehensive academic middle school course of studies. The curriculum includes language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, foreign language, technology, arts, and physical education. IBMYP is a five-year program that continues at Gar-Field or Stonewall Jackson High Schools. Students may receive an IB Middle Years Certificate at the completion of grade 10. Students within the attendance boundaries of Benton,* Godwin, Graham Park, Potomac, Rippon, and Saunders Middle Schools are eligible to attend the program at Godwin Middle School. Students within the attendance boundaries of Beville, Lynn, Lake Ridge, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the program at Beville Middle School. Students within the attendance boundaries of Benton,* Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the program at Stonewall Middle School. For more information, call Beville Middle School at 703.878.2593, Godwin Middle School at 703.670.6166, or Stonewall Middle School at 703.361.3185. *Boundaries for Benton Students enrolled in the Middle School World Languages Program, Middle School Mathematics and Science Program, and International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Benton Middle School students who will attend Forest Park or Hylton High Schools are eligible for programs at Godwin, Graham Park, and Lake Ridge Middle Schools. Benton Middle School students who will attend Brentsville District or Osbourn Park High Schools are eligible for programs at Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools. Middle School World Languages Program Lynn, Lake Ridge, and Parkside Middle Schools offer special foreign language programs in French and Spanish. These programs allow a student to receive one high school foreign language credit for work done in grades 6 and 7 and one high school credit for work done in grade 8. These programs are open to students in grade 6 and to students in grades 7 and 8 who were enrolled in the program during the previous year. Students within the attendance boundaries of Lynn, Graham Park, Potomac, Rippon, and Woodbridge Middle Schools are eligible to attend the Lynn World Languages Program. Students within the attendance boundaries of Benton,* Beville, Godwin, Lake Ridge, and Saunders Middle Schools are eligible to attend the Lake Ridge World Languages Program. Students within the attendance boundaries of Benton*, Bull Run, Gainesville, Marsteller, Parkside, and Stonewall Middle Schools are eligible to attend the Parkside World Languages Program. For more information, call Lynn Middle School at 703.494.5157, Lake Ridge Middle School at 703.494.5154, or Parkside Middle School at 703.361.3106. |
| SPECIALTY PROGRAMS - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Sixteen elementary schools in PWCS currently have specialty programs. Students must complete an application in order to transfer for a specialty program. For students residing in Prince William County before January 1, the deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 16, 2010. Students moving into the county after January 1 should call the coordinator of the program(s) of interest for more information. If a program receives applications for more students than the program can accept or the school can house, a lottery is held to select program participants. Under conditions of extreme overcrowding of a given school, a program may be open only to students within the school’s boundary and may be closed to all transfer students. Elementary Foreign/World Languages Programs Foreign/world language instruction is available in six elementary schools strategically located throughout the School Division in grades 1 through 5. Each student in these grades receives 45 minutes of instruction at least once each week. The program model is called content-related foreign/world language instruction, a research-based model that focuses on the reinforcement and integration of the key academic concepts included in the Standards of Learning for social studies, math, science, and language arts as is possible and linguistically appropriate in French or Spanish. All students of these schools develop some communication skills in the target language and a much deeper understanding of the many cultures represented by the French and Spanish languages. The five goals of the Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools Program are: communication, cultures, comparisons, connections and communities. The early learning of any world language serves as a strong foundation for the future study of all other languages. Four schools offer Spanish: Enterprise, Mullen, River Oaks, and Tyler. Two schools, Lake Ridge and Signal Hill, offer French. Students may transfer to participate in the foreign language instructional program identified or designated for each school. For information, call 703.791.7400. Elementary Mathematics and Science Program Belmont and Sudley Elementary Schools each offer an intensive program of study in mathematics and science in grades 4 and 5. These programs challenge and motivate students while developing their critical thinking skills through hands-on science discovery and exploration. For further information, call Belmont at 703.494.4945, or Sudley at 703.361.3444. International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme In 2009-10, staff members in eight elementary schools will continue training to institute the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). Currently these schools are at the consideration phase of this program. The program covers eight subject areas, including mathematics, language arts, foreign language, science, social studies, technology, fine arts, and personal, social, and physical education; and emphasizes key concepts and related questions that support theme-based, transdisciplinary learning. The schools include Antietam, Buckland Mills, Dumfries, Ellis, Featherstone, Parks, Victory, and Williams Elementary Schools. Gravely and Fitzgerald Elementary Schools will begin exploration of the IBPYP in 2009-10. For more information, call 703.791.7400. Traditional Schools Serving Students at the Elementary and Middle School Levels Pennington School, a school of choice in western Prince William County, and Porter School , a school of choice in eastern Prince William County, serve students in grades 1 through 8. These traditional schools stress rigorous academic instruction, strong performance expectations, and high behavioral standards. They use research-based, innovative instructional strategies within the framework of a traditional education. Every child and every family must contribute a specified number of hours of service to the school. Students at these schools are also required to wear uniforms. For more information on Pennington School, call 703.369.6644; for more information on Porter School, call 703.580.6501.
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| GIFTED EDUCATION |
Gifted Education services are available for Prince William County students in kindergarten through grade 12. Students identified as potentially gifted in an academic area in kindergarten through grade 3 are provided with appropriate instruction in each elementary school. At the end of third grade, students are formally identified in the category of intellectual aptitude and specific academic aptitude. Such students receive additional services in grades 4 and 5 in a school-based program or in a gifted education center. Elementary School Gifted Education: Ten Elementary Gifted Education Centers have been established in Prince William County. Identified gifted students attend a center one day each week. Western Centers:
Mid-County Centers:
Eastern Centers:
Eighteen Elementary Schools have an in-school program:
Students who attend Pennington and Porter Schools are served in gifted programs at these schools. Middle School Gifted Education: In grades 6, 7, and 8, identified students receive appropriate instruction in each of the middle schools in Prince William County. Students have the option to take classes in extended mathematics and extended language arts. Students may complete classes in algebra, geometry, and foreign language while in middle school. In addition, identified students are eligible for specific work in selected independent centers and may elect to take small group classes. Every middle school has at least one assigned gifted education resource teacher. The resource teacher assigned to each middle school can provide additional information on the program. High School Gifted Education: In grades 9 through 12, gifted students in each county high school are provided with services through both advanced classes and a seminar program. The guidance office of each high school or a member of a high school’s gifted program staff can provide additional information on available programs. Students in the grade 8 may apply for admission to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. This regional school, located in Fairfax County, is designed for students with aptitude, interest and achievement in science, mathematics, and technology. For more information, call the Admissions Office at 703.876.5265. A proposal for a Governor's School at Innovation Park, a program focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is under review for location in Prince William. The proposal is a collaborative project with Manassas City and Manassas Park Public School Divisions, and George Mason University. The program is anticipated to open in September 2010. For more information on any of these programs, see the Gifted Education Web Site or call the Gifted Education Office at 703. 791.7400. |
| SPECIAL EDUCATION |
Preschool Screenings Parents who suspect a developmental delay in their child between the ages of 2 and 4 should call the Preschool/Child Find Office at 703.791.8857 to schedule a screening appointment. All school aged children through grade 3 are screened within 60 business days of initial enrollment in the areas of speech, voice, and language; vision; hearing; and fine and gross motor functions to determine if a referral for an evaluation for special education and related services is indicated. In addition, the vision and hearing of all children in grades 3, 7, and 10 shall be screened during the school year. Assessment of Disability When there is a reason to suspect that a student has a disability and is in need of special education and related services, a verbal or written referral for a special education evaluation is made to the principal or designee. The school administrator has five business days in which to make a referral to the Child Study Committee. The Child Study Committee must convene within 10 business days following receipt of a referral. If the committee decision is to evaluate, the committee will determine which evaluation components are necessary to ensure that the student is assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability. If the Eligibility Committee determines that the student has a disability and requires special education and related services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed, within 30 days, to provide a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. Disability categories addressed through special education include autism spectrum disorder, deaf-blindness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment including deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, severe disability, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment including blindness. For additional information, contact the school or the Special Education Office at 703.791.7287. Federal Guidelines PWCS does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Students who have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity may require accommodations in school to ensure access to all school programs and activities and an equal opportunity to succeed. Referrals to determine eligibility and accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 should be addressed to the 504 Coordinator at 703.791.8025. |
| HEAD START |
Head Start is a federally funded program for preschool children from low-income families. The Head Start program is operated by Prince William County Public Schools for children between the ages of 4 and 5 years old. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities, receive medical and dental care, and participate in the USDA food program. Services are also offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Head Start staff recognizes that parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. Parent involvement is encouraged in all Head Start activities. Head Start is located in eight elementary schools: Dumfries, Leesylvania, Mullen, Neabsco, Potomac View, River Oaks, Triangle, and West Gate. Four Head Start sites are located at high schools: Hylton High School serves children who reside in the Kerrydale, King, and Enterprise Elementary School areas; Gar-Field High School serves children who reside in the Vaughan and Kilby Elementary School areas; Freedom High School serves children who reside in the Minnieville Elementary School area; and Battlefield High School serves children who reside in the Mullen Elementary School area. The staff will be happy to explain available services in detail. For more information email Kathy Channell or call 703. 791.8708. Frequently asked questions: How does my child qualify for Head Start? 1. Your child must be four years old before September 30th; and 2. You must live in a school attendance area served by Head Start (see the list of elementary schools listed above); and 3. Your family must be below the Federal income guidelines. How old does my child have to be to participate in Head Start? Children must turn four years old before September 30 of the year they enter Head Start. Where will my child go to school? You must live in one of the elementary school boundary areas listed above. Those students who live in Elementary School areas not serviced by a Head Start program will not qualify for the Head Start program. What are the Federal income guidelines? Each year the Federal government issues the income guidelines for poverty. For example, a family of four would have to have an annual income of less than $21,200 in order to qualify for Head Start.
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| VIRGINIA PRESCHOOL INITIATIVE |
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) is a state and locally funded preschool program for children from low-income families. VPI is operated by Prince William County Public Schools for children who will be 4 years old prior to September 30, 2009. VPI provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. VPI is located at Ellis Elementary School and serves children who reside in the Yorkshire and Ellis Elementary Schools attendance areas. For more information, call 703.791.8708 or email channelk@pwcs.edu. Frequently asked questions: How does my child qualify for Virginia Preschool Initiative? 1. Your child must be four years old before September 30; and 2. You must live in the Ellis or Yorkshire Elementary School attendance areas; and 3. Your family must be below the income guidelines. How old does my child have to be to participate in Virginia Preschool Initiative? Children must turn four years old before September 30 of the year they enter Virginia Preschool Initiative. Where will my child go to school? If your family qualifies, your child would attend school at Ellis Elementary School. What are the income guidelines? Each year the income guidelines for poverty are established. For example,: a family of four would have to have an annual income of less than $21,200 in order to qualify for Virginia Preschool Initiative. |
| ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) |
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services are available in grades K-12 to students for whom English is not the primary language, and whose English is not adequate to meet passing requirements in the grade-level subject areas. Federal laws like "No Child Left Behind" and others require that school divisions provide services to Limited English Proficient (LEP) students and parents that guarantee their student's right to an equitable, quality education, and access to all co-curricular programs, concurrently if appropriate. Services are provided by ESOL teachers who have to meet state certification requirements and be highly qualified to teach English Language Learners (ELLs). As required by law, all LEP students are identified initially by the Home Language Survey (for newly enrolled students) or the ESOL Program Referral Form (for students already assigned to classes). LEP students are assessed on their proficiency in English in the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and to determine their overall English proficiency level. Students who are identified as Limited English Proficient are assigned a state language proficiency level according to their grade level. State Proficiency Levels are Level: 1, 2, 3, 4, M1 (Monitor first year), and M2 (Monitor second year). Those students identified as eligible for ESOL Program services or meeting the federal definition of an LEP student, and whose parents grant permission for the services, are provided support in the ESOL Program at their base school. The ESOL Program Model as identified by the experts in the field is English-content-based resource instruction. English is the primary language for all instruction. All ESOL instruction is aligned to the SOLs and PWCS curriculum. Students’ home languages are used to clarify and reinforce academic concepts, American culture, as well as school rules and the consequences of violation. Sheltered instruction is the overall approach to teaching English, where the main concepts and vocabulary are pre-taught, background knowledge is activated or provided, and the content is adapted and made comprehensible to students based on their English proficiency level. Sheltered content classes in language arts, math, science, and social studies are offered by trained general education academic teachers in all high schools and some middle schools, when viable. In general, ESOL instruction is provided through a combination of the following three models: inclusion (co-teaching/co-planning), flexible grouping within or outside of the grade level classrooms, and resource or consultation. Every effort is made to offer all the support to ELLs in the least interruptive way until a student can meet passing requirements in general education classes independently. Every effort is made to keep ELLs with their American peers and involved in all school activities and programs. Students identified as LEP are allowed accommodations for all classroom, state, or PWCS standardized assessments based on the recommendations of the ESOL teacher, an LEP Review Committee, and the guidelines provided by the state. The Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) program is offered free to all LEP parents in all ESOL schools as part of the ESOL Program parent outreach. PEP classes are provided in English and Spanish and other languages as is possible, and include information to newcomer parents about county school procedures, expectations, rules, consequences, and parental rights and responsibilities. Some school vocabulary is also taught in English during the PEP classes in order to help new immigrant families feel less anxious about being in an American school, to understand what is expected of them, and to learn how to become involved in school activities and support their child’s learning at home. The Central Registration welcome centers, located at Coles Elementary School, 7405 Hoadly Road in Manassas, and at the Ann Ludwig School, 14575 Potomac Branch Drive in Woodbridge, provide orientation services to newcomer immigrant families from all high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. Bilingual (Spanish) staff provide newly arrived, LEP families initial school registration, ESOL program eligibility assessment, and some parent, school, and community information in a meaningful way. All Central Registration documents for parents are translated into the top seven languages of the students. The Office of Translation Services offers expanded interpreting and translation services to include the screening and training of interpreters and translators, lists of translated documents, lists of trained interpreters, and a manual of all procedures for use of interpreters. ELLs represent approximately 100 languages and cultures from throughout the world. Bilingual support services (translating and interpreting for school purposes such as parent/teacher or student conferences) are made available on an as-needed basis by all schools, departments, or offices. All ESOL forms and key central documents are translated into Spanish and most are also available in Urdu, Twi, Korean, Farsi, Arabic, and Vietnamese. A wide variety of free professional development offerings and resources exist to support all general education teachers and school staff with the latest cultural information, instructional best practices, and strategies for teaching ELLs. In addition, all manuals and forms for the program are available on the PWCS internal staff Web site. For further information, call the ESOL Office at 703.791.8706, or email bassc@pwcs.edu.
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| STUDENT RECORDS |
The original educational records on all students are maintained at the school of attendance for current students and at the Prince William County Public Schools Records Center 703.791.7335 or 7365 for graduates and individuals who have withdrawn from school during the past five years. Permanent scholastic documentation will be microfilmed after this period of time and will be available upon request. Specialty files are not permanent documentation and will be destroyed after the five-year retention period. Requests for specialty files must be received prior to disposition date. A fee of $2.00, cash or money order, per page, must accompany any request in order to process documents. Inspection and disclosure of student information is governed by federal and state codes and policies, and regulations of the Prince William County Public Schools Division. At the beginning of each school year a Code of Behavior is sent home with each student. Contained in the Code of Behavior is the Annual Notification of Prince William County Schools Records Policy.
UPDATED 6/22/09 |
Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences