School Language Philosophy
Central
Middle International School recognizes that language is central to
learning, and all teachers are teachers of language. To that end, in
conjunction with our school district, Central teachers participate in
ongoing staff development that includes language instructional
strategies.
Language Profile
Languages of
teaching and learning in the International School at Central Middle
School include English and Spanish. Languages of communication in the
school and community include English and Spanish.
Language A
Language
A is defined as English at The International School at Central Middle
School. We recognize that English is not the mother tongue of some of our
students; we strive for all students to acquire academic proficiency in
English.
The language of communication with our families
and communities is English, yet we also translate communication materials
into the home language of our families, including Spanish.
All
students study Language A each school day. Within Language A instruction,
the goal is for all students to acquire proficiency in the four
modalities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Language B
Language
B instruction supports the MYP Fundamental Concept of Intercultural
Awareness and the IB Learner Profile. Learning an additional language is
essential for students to understand other cultures and develop a
mindset that values multilingualism and international mindedness. All
Language B classes meet every school day all year long. We offer Spanish
as our Language B option.
Within Language B instruction, the goal
is for all students to develop proficiency in the four modalities:
speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
English Learners (EL)
The
language of instruction at our schools is English, with the exception of
Language B classes. The EL program exists to provide students with the
means to acquire academic proficiency in English.
Additionally,
maintenance and development of the mother tongue is valued. EL students
are currently being served at Maple Crest Middle School; however, they
may choose to attend the MYP program at the International School at
Central Middle School.
All EL students participate in the MYP to
the fullest extent possible. All subject teachers recognize that
learning in a second language is a challenge, so they also focus on
building key vocabulary necessary for successful completion of each
course. Students are encouraged to use language of instruction whenever
possible. If EL students find it difficult to express in the language of
instruction, they may use other languages if their teacher and all
classmates understand the other language. Teachers are required to use
English as the language of instruction in the classes. They are expected
to recognize the potential problems their students might face as
EL learners and take appropriate steps to overcome the difficulties such
as scaffolding teaching. We recognize that to gain academic proficiency,
students may need EL support throughout the Middle Years Program.
Mother Tongue Support
To
support students with a mother tongue other than English, we strive to
provide bilingual support for classroom learning and for communication
with families. Our Media Center includes books written in other languages
and we continue to add to these resources. We also access
district support for communicating with families and communities in
languages other than English. We continue to investigate other avenues and
resources for language support for all of our students.
Equity in access
Students
at The International School at Central Middle School participate in the
Middle Years Program to the fullest extent possible. Teachers of EL,
special education, and literacy collaborate with subject area teachers to
support academic language development in the Middle Years Program
subject areas, including Language A. Additional support classes may be
provided to newcomer English Learners, students with emerging
literacy, and students whose Individual Education Plans specify alternative
scheduling.
Professional Development
As
far as the professional development is concerned, Language A and B
teachers are expected to follow the latest trends in language teaching
and follow the MYP language group web page and language teachers' forums.
Language Policy Development
The
International School at Central Middle School Language Policy is
available to all staff, students, and families on the school's website.
This policy will be reviewed and refined on an annual basis to reflect
our school's development and evolution within the Middle Years Programme framework.