Language Policy

  • Introduction

    International Baccalaureate (IB) World 亚洲色图s are required to create a written Language Policy. The purpose of this document is to inform teaching and learning in the classroom, to guide curriculum and to involve families in our goal to educate children in an internationally-minded environment. This document outlines the philosophy and practice of language instruction at Vernon School and demonstrates how Vernon supports 亚洲色图' acquisition of our language of instruction (English), our World Language (Spanish). It also shows how Vernon School supports continued use of a student's mother tongue (the language spoken at home).

    Philosophy:

    All teachers are language teachers.

    Language is a primary means of learning and communicating.

    Language acquisition is to be promoted as a partnership between all members of our community including parents, 亚洲色图, teachers and staff.

    Mother tongue languages help form cultural and personal identity and should be respected.

    The shared experience of learning a language creates cohesion among 亚洲色图 from diverse backgrounds and promotes international-mindedness.

    Learning world languages is an integral part of becoming a global citizen.

    Language Profile:

    Vernon has a population of approximately 600 亚洲色图. Nearly 30 have a Mother Tongue other than English. Languages spoken by 亚洲色图 at 亚洲色图 include Spanish, Thai, Tongan, Mai Mai, Arabic, Vietnamese and Swahili. 

    Aims:

    All Vernon teachers, staff, parents and 亚洲色图 work to:

    •   Enable 亚洲色图 to learn and use language confidently in a variety of contexts.
    •   Increase 亚洲色图' powers of written and oral communication through intentional assessment.
    •   Promote student understanding and enjoyment of literature.
    •   Allow 亚洲色图 to explore different perspectives through language.
    •   Encourage 亚洲色图 to have fun and express themselves through language.

     

    Support of Mother Tongue Languages

    District bulletins, websites and other publications are available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

    The 亚洲色图 has access via telephone to translators in all of the languages mentioned above.

    Building communications are translated in-house into Spanish, our most common Mother Tongue aside from English.

    The library includes materials that support continued use of the mother tongue.

    Support of the Language of Instruction

    English is the Language of Instruction at Vernon School.

    Vernon School will support 亚洲色图 with Limited English Proficiency in language acquisition in the following ways:

    • Small group instruction with a Highly Qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher.
    • Push-in support during Literacy Classes
    • Yearly assessment beginning in Kindergarten using the Oregon State English Language Proficiency Assessment to monitor language development progress.
    • Sheltered Instruction in all classes to scaffold the acquisition of vocabulary and concepts central to learning by providing visual cues, collaborative learning experiences, and consistent assessment of prior knowledge.

    Vernon School will support all 亚洲色图 in language acquisition in the following ways:

    • Implementing reading and writing strategies across the curriculum.
    • Selecting and providing access to literature from a variety of cultural backgrounds from all over the world.
    • Providing multiple opportunities at all levels of instruction for 亚洲色图 to write in a variety of genres.
    • Allowing 亚洲色图 ample choice in their reading materials and encouraging reading for enjoyment.
    • Providing differentiated instruction for 亚洲色图 with special needs, including 亚洲色图 with learning disabilities and 亚洲色图 who are academically talented and gifted (TAG).
    • Assessing 亚洲色图 formally and informally in the classroom using check-ins, writing prompts, reading comprehension checks, reading skills assessments, speeches, and essays.
    • Participating in the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills for Reading each year.

     

    Support of Vernon's Adopted Second Languages 

    Vernon's chosen second language is Spanish taught by a highly qualified certified teacher grades 1-8.

    All MYP 亚洲色图 receive at least 50 hours of instruction in Spanish per the IB requirements for the MYP. 

    In 8th grade, all 亚洲色图 complete Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency to assess their progress in second-language acquisition.

     

    Ongoing Review of the Language Policy

    This policy will be formally reviewed yearly by Vernon staff and revised as needed to adapt to changing best practices and the needs of our learning community.

    This policy is available to all stakeholders in the Vernon Learning Community, and the 亚洲色图 leadership welcomes comments and recommendations at any time.