Foreign Language Elementary School Foreign Language Programs

More about the FLES Program (video)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FLES?

FLES is an acronym that stands for Foreign Language in the Elementary School . It is an approach to language learning that allows students to develop basic communicative skills in a language while reinforcing and enriching content in other disciplines.

Why FLES?

The FLES model provides all students in an elementary school with language learning opportunities. Research studies have indicated that the early study of a second language results in cognitive benefits, gains in academic achievement, and increases in self-esteem, creativity, and positive attitudes toward diversity.

What does the FCPS FLES model look like?

The FCPS FLES model develops students' language proficiency by providing language instruction that supports the concepts taught in the subject areas at the respective grade level. Generally, programs have 30 minutes of instruction two to three times per week, which is articulated through middle and high school. FCPS FLES model is based on the research that shows that students are not only able to learn but are also highly engaged in learning content through the target language. In addition, the culture of the target language is integrated into instruction.

What are the FCPS FLES Program goals?

The goals of the FCPS FLES program are

What does the FCPS FLES curriculum look like?

The FCPS FLES curriculum for each grade includes:

The foreign language instruction is linked to all content area subjects taught in the regular classroom (i.e., math, science, social studies, health).

How is FLES taught?

FLES instruction is proficiency-oriented. This means that there is a greater focus on meaningful and purposeful communication than on grammatical mastery. Students are encouraged first to understand and then to produce in the language. The target language is used by both teachers and students.

How is the FCPS FLES program articulated from 1 st grade to high school?

The FLES program is based on four thematic units at each grade level. The themes are aligned with the FCPS Foreign Language Program of Studies for Grades 7-12 and mirror the spiraling progression of the other content areas. The FLES program is also aligned with the National Foreign Language Standards.

Is there a list of schools participating in the FLES program?

contact the Foreign Language Office for more information