Spring Hill ESOL Program

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students at Spring Hill represent approximately 30 countries and a variety of cultures, bringing with them a wide range of educational experiences. Most of our ESOL students were born in another country and speak a language other than English at home. Some students were born in the United States but have a different home language. Still others have had educational experiences abroad and need to concentrate on reading comprehension and writing, just like other ESOL students.

Students who are new to English may experience a silent period. This is a time when they sit, listen, and observe. They are beginning to construct meaning from immersion in an English-speaking environment but are not yet able to construct meaning in the form of speech. In ESOL, students gain confidence in the English language to express themselves orally, through demonstrated comprehension and writing. "Through the development of English proficiency, ESOL students can improve their academic achievement in all classes." (FCPS)

Parents and teachers with ESOL students are encouraged to consider how far the individual ESOL student has progressed rather than to focus on where the student is functioning at any given time. Recent research has proven that it takes seven to nine years for speakers of other languages to reach academic language proficiency. Conversational proficiency develops within one to two years. "On average, students spend four to five years in the ESOL program, progressing through beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels." (FCPS)

Expectations for ESOL students are as high as those for the native speakers, allowing for the time necessary to acquire the level of language proficiency necessary for academic success. The ESOL learner is not only internalizing academic language but social and cultural language as well.

The ESOL Program at Spring Hill is not only an enrichment program designed to increase content knowledge as students develop oral, reading, reading comprehension, and written language proficiency, it is also a support program to educate students and families to the cultural components of living in this country.

Additionally "ESOL students may also receive instruction in general education/content classrooms, with ESOL and general education teachers jointly instructing the whole class. The ESOL curriculum is aligned with the Language Arts Program of Studies, preparing students for the transition from ESOL into language arts classes alongside their native English-speaking peers." (FCPS)

Our ESOL program endeavors to ensure that a student is ready for exiting our program when there is mutual support during the mainstreaming process between the ESOL teacher and the classroom teacher. Final exiting procedures include an agreement between those individuals representing the FCPS/ESOL Department, Mr. Vanderhye (our principal), the ESOL teacher representing the student, and the classroom teacher(s).

Helpful Hints for a Successful School Year

•If your child is in my classroom, I am responsible for his or her Language Arts and/or Social Studies grades. So it will be important for your child to do his or her homework daily . ESOL homework is never given to teach new concepts. ESOL homework is meant to help your child develop organizational skills that will later help him or her in the mainstreamed classroom. Reading, writing, and oral presentations are assigned Monday - Friday; Social Studies work is usually assigned Tuesday - Friday.

•Reading is a key factor in learning to speak, read, and write in another language. Your child will need to read at least 20 minutes each day in either English or his or her native language, silently or aloud.

•Each child in ESOL is a unique individual who learns at his or her own pace. Please do not compare your child's language progress with that of another child.

•Remember that your child's teacher wants to hear from you. You are a very important part of your child's education - not just at home, but at school, too.

•Your child will participate in as many programs and specials as possible. If your child misses library or computer time, we will do our best to have your child make it up.

•Sometimes, ESOL participates in a Book Order from Scholastic. It is not required, but it is meant to build your child's English library as he or she progresses through different stages of language acquisition. Book order forms will also include books on your child's current reading level and grade level books.

•Last, but just as important, Spring Hill is not only here to welcome and help your child, we are here to welcome you as well. Please feel free to let us help in any way we can. We are confident that you would do the same for us if we were learning your language and living in your culture.

ESOL Program Mission and Vision Statement Fairfax County Public Schools

•The vision of FCPS is "to provide a gifted-quality education to every child in an instructional setting appropriate for his or her need."

•The vision of the ESOL Program is to provide the means for students to acquire English through research-based instruction in supportive learning environments where all students have the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels.

•The mission of the FCPS ESOL Program is to develop the English proficiency of students, enhance their academic achievement, and support school staffs as they deliver quality instruction.

The FCPS ESOL program

Develops students' English language proficiency and academic skills;

Creates supportive learning environments which value and build on students' academic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds;

Builds teachers' skills to employ best instructional practices;

Builds connections between ESOL and school-wide instructional programs; Encourages participation of students and their families within the school community.

In order to further our mission, the ESOL Central Office staff will

Create a high-quality instructional program

Provide staff development

Advocate for English Language Learners

Provide English Language Learners access to all available resources and appropriate programs

Communicate current research and best practices on working with a culturally and linguistically diverse community

For more information, please contact our ESOL teachers Marisa McCaffrey or Jean-Marie Seidman or visit the FCPS ESOL Program site.