Patrick Henry Elementary School supports the needs of its Language Minority students through the English as a Second Language program. With a school population of approximately 1100 students, 29% have been identified as bilingual or as having an adult who “speaks a language other than English at home”. Of this identified population, 72% receive services by either the “pull-out” or the “monitoring” model. The remaining percentage are “Fully English Proficient”, requiring no services.

Students entering our school represent many nationalities and cultures. Many of these students arrive with little or no knowledge of the English language. Some have developed a high level of oral skills, but are performing below grade level in reading and writing because of their limited ability to read and write in English. Therefore, a supplemental education program is required to help these students achieve in the regular classroom. Patrick Henry Elementary School has an English as a Second Language Program to assist these students.

The main goal of the ESL program is to assist students in becoming proficient in the English language so they can participate fully and successfully in the total school program.

Selection Process

• Students are referred on the basis of the home/language survey . This survey can be found at the DoDEA Headquarter Web Site: http://www.dodea.edu/instruction/curriculum/esl/index.htm (Enclosure #1)
• Parents/guardians receive notification of ESL assessment.
• All potential ESL students are assessed using DoDEA standardized English language proficiency test.
• Parents are notified of assessment results and eligibility letter is sent.
• Eligible students receive direct services or are monitored.
• ESL students are assessed in May to determine placement for the following school year.

Instructional Program

The instructional program goals are to develop vocabulary, listening- comprehension skills, speaking, reading and writing in the areas of:

• Basic interpersonal communication (every day language)
• Basic cognitive academic language (language of the classroom)
• Sociocultural knowledge ( understanding English in socially and culturally appropriate ways: verbal/non verbal, awareness of US and world cultures)

Program exit options:

• Student demonstrates full English proficiency on an English language assessment (LAS – Language Assessment Scale)
• Standardized test scores on Terra Nova exceed the 50th percentile.
• Results on the DoDEA Writing Assessment
• Parent request (waiver must be signed)

ESL Participants

Students who are at Level 1(beginning) through Level 4 (almost fluent in language skills, including reading and writing) participate in the ESL program. Level 5 students are able to meet all social and academic demands in English and do not require ESL services.

Common Questions
1- How long does it take to learn English?

Children learn at different rates. They may receive instruction from one to eight years.

2- Should I stop speaking the native language at home and speak English only?

No, students are encouraged to continue to develop their first language as they acquire English. Proficiency in the native language makes learning a second language easier. As long as children are exposed consistently to both languages, they can become proficient in both languages.

3 -Will my child get confused by learning two languages?

No, children do not get confused, even when they combine languages in one sentence. Mixing languages known as code switching, is a normal and expected part of learning a second language.

Good Practices for Parents of ESL Students

• Continue speaking your native language with your child. Label objects and discuss events around the home in both your native language and in English. This helps to make the home an enriched language environment. Students who have mastered two languages are often the most successful students.
• Read to your child, in the home language and/or in English.
• Share oral histories and traditional folk tales from your native country.
• Participate in cultural activities and celebrate various holidays to show that all cultures have value.
• Talk to your child about everyday events such as shopping, sport activities, gardening, or going to the post office.
• Take time to listen and ask questions when your child is expressing ideas or telling stories.
• Take this opportunity to learn English along with your child. Help your child with school work and become involved at school.

Please remember that language learning is a natural process and takes time. Be patient and encouraging with your child and celebrate all learning experiences.