E S O L       

 

English for Speakers of Other Languages

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (as adapted from the PWC ESOL Program):

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are available to any Limited English Proficient (LEP) student in grades one through twelve for whom English is not the primary language and whose English is not adequate to function successfully in the regular content areas.

LEP students are identified by the Home Language Survey Form or the Referral for ESOL Screening form and screened to determine their English proficiency level (Virginia State Levels 1, 2, 3, 4) and academic needs. Those identified as eligible and whose parents grant permission for the services receive an average of one to three hours of English content-based instructional support per day following the current research-based instructional program models which might include pull-out, inclusion, transitional bilingual content, biliteracy, and sheltered classes (offered on the secondary level.)  The instructional resource support is provided until a student can meet passing requirements in mainstream classes independently.

MISSION (as adapted from the PWC ESOL Program):

We, the teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program of Prince William County Public Schools, believe that speakers of other languages hold the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as other students in the United States.  We believe that the ESOL Program is a necessary component of the education of all students who cannot succeed in the mainstream academic classes due to their limited English proficiency.  We will provide ESOL services in a timely manner in order to ensure educational opportunities and success in our and other school divisions of the U.S.

VISION (as adapted from the PWC ESOL Program):

All students can learn English, if given an opportunity.  The framework through which students are taught English (as a second or other language) incorporate developmentally, linguistically, and culturally appropriate opportunities in order to ensure successful social and classroom interactions.

The ESOL student will learn Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills in English. This will lead to self-confident expression, the ability to cope successfully with daily situations, and a meaningful involvement in co-curricular activities.

The student will begin to develop Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency in English.  This will lead to meaningful involvement in mainstream curriculum and an ability to acquire, integrate, and utilize knowledge in order to be a positive and productive member of the world community.

The student will develop an appreciation of and respect for his or her own cultural heritage and that of others.  The student will develop a pride in bilingualism and/or multilingualism.  This will lead to esteem for cooperative relationships with all people.

The ESOL teacher serves as a liaison between the ESOL students, their parents and the school community.  In this role, teachers become advocates for this population as well as resources and second language experts for school staff and administration.

·        Legal Responsibilities of Education Agencies Serving Language Minority Students (1995

WEBSITE INDEX:

 

BRISTOW RUN ESOL STAFF AND GRADE RESPONSIBILITIES ’06-‘07:

Millie Mirabal:  Kindergarten and 2nd grade

Christine Petrus:  Kindergarten and 4th grade

Dolly Pruet:  3rd and 5th grade, lead PEP teacher

Michelle Skelton: 1st and 3rd grade, lead ESOL teacher, webmaster

INSIGHT FOR ESOL PARENTS:

·        PEP (Parents as Educational Partners)

PEP is designed for parents of ESOL students to inform them how to become more involved in their children’s education.  The PEP program also notifies the parents of their rights and responsibilities in our school division and provides an overview of the American school system culture.   This year the PEP program at Bristow Run will be held from mid October to mid December, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 3pm.  For more information, contact Alice (Dolly) Pruet

·        Adult ESL:

 The purpose of the PWC Adult Education Program is to provide educational opportunities for adults who wish to acquire competencies necessary for further education, employment, or personal enrichment.  The PWC Adult ESOL classes are for individuals 18 years of age and over who have a native language other than English. For more information click  here.  (information adapted from the PWC Adult Ed. Program.)

·        Reading Resources for your ESOL  K-2 child

·        Information for parents on Second Language Acquisition (English);

·        Información para los padres sobre la Adquisición de un Segundo Idioma (Español)

·        Helping your child learn... (U.S. Department of Education) (English)

·         Ayudando a su niño... (el departamento de educación de los EE.UU.) (Español)

·        Guia de recursos para las familias hispanas (Español)

 

INSIGHT FOR TEACHERS OF ESOL STUDENTS:

 

CENTRAL REGISTRATION AND WORLD LANGUAGES CENTER:

A central facility where families who are new to Prince William County Schools and whose language is other than English, come to register their children for school and have their English skills evaluated.  For more information click here.

 

                                                                                                     

MULTICULTURAL LINKS:

 

ESOL FAQ’S (research, statistics, Federal requirements, etc.)

 

 

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last modified 9/15/08