VISION
The overall vision of the Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) English as a Second Language Department is to positively affect student achievement through successful collaboration of classroom and resource teachers, school administrators, students and parents.
It is the desire of WCPS that all international parents be actively engaged in their child’s education. The ESL department recognizes the need to create cohesiveness between home and school. Parents are a child’s first teachers and most influential role models throughout a child’s life. It is the responsibility of the school to provide Second Language families within the school community with as much support as possible to help students find academic success.
While recognizing the needs of the growing international community within each school, we are committed to the success of every student.
STRATEGIES & GOALS
WCPS provide highly qualified professionals to serve the ESL population as advocates, educators, and liaisons.
Our county is committed to supplying necessary ESL curriculum, resources, and technology for successful instruction of LEP students.
WCPS are dedicated toproviding parents with useful information about how they cansupport their children at home and informing them of community services which might be beneficial to the families.
The ESL department encouragesLEP students to take active leadership roles within the school community through programs such as clubs, athletics, volunteer opportunities, and the Washington County Community Scholars program.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DESIGN
At both the middle and elementary school levels, ESL instructors serve as advocates, making sure that ELL’s have the same educational opportunities as mainstream students. Instructors communicate daily with classroom teachers as they monitor student progress and support their language and academic learning. Our ESL teachers communicate regularly with parents and often go above and beyond their call of duty as they offer services outside of the school day to ESL families such as transportation to extra curricular activities, health care appointments, summer school, and personal family outings.
Depending upon need, proficiency level, and content area of study, ESL teachers work with students in individual or small group settings as well working within the regular classroom in an inclusive setting.
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are emphasized within the ESL program. Great attention is given to academic vocabulary study within the content areas. General classroom teachers are given support and instructional strategies to assist ESL students within the regular classroom. Both ESL instructors as well as content area teachers are given professional development opportunities throughout the school year.