Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools/Language through Content (FLES/LTC)

FLES/LTC develops students' language proficiency through language instruction supporting the development of STEAM concepts.

Program Description

The FLES/LTC program uses an approach to language learning that allows students to develop basic communicative skills in a target language while reinforcing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills, with an emphasis on Science, as well as introducing students to topics of global importance such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Combining these skills with early language learning provides a unique way for students to acquire a target language while preparing them with the Portrait of a Graduate skills/attributes needed to become successful global citizens. The program is designed to provide all students in a FLES-LTC elementary school site, grades K through 6th, the opportunity to learn a target language. FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Students receive 60 minutes of language instruction per week which focuses more 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.

Program Goals

The goals of the FCPS FLES/LTC program are:

  • To promote academic excellence by providing students a pathway to develop language proficiency to communicate effectively in another language
  • To develop increased cognitive skills
  • To develop intercultural/global competency skills by supporting integrated STEAM concepts instruction with a strong focus on Science
  • To promote the development of “Ethical and Global Citizens” who acknowledge and understand diverse perspectives and cultures and contribute to solutions that benefit the broader community, as defined in the “Portrait of a Graduate.”
  • To develop increased functional proficiency in all aspects of the language with each year of study
  • To meet district, state, and national world language standards

Research studies indicate 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. The Virginia Department of Education considers the study of world languages an essential component of the Commonwealth’s efforts to “provide challenging educational programs in its public schools”.

Instructional Process

FLES/LTC 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.

FCPS FLES/LTC Program Articulation from Kindergarten to High School

Students will join the established course sequence for World languages at the Secondary Grade levels.

Participating Schools by Language

LanguageSchools
Arabic

Beech Tree ES

Sleepy Hollow ES

Chinese

Chesterbrook ES

Clermont ES

Fairhill ES

Hollin Meadows ES

Oak Hill ES

Providence ES

Spring Hill ES

Wolftrap ES

FrenchKent Gardens ES
GermanOrange Hunt ES
JapaneseGunston ES
KoreanCollin Powell ES
Spanish

Belle View ES

Belvedere ES

Braddock ES

Brookfield ES

Cherry Run ES

Churchill Road ES

Clearview ES

Columbia ES

Colvin Run ES

Cunningham Park ES

Daniels Run ES

Dogwood ES

Dranesville ES

Flint Hill ES

Floris ES

Fort Hunt ES

Franklin Sherman ES

Graham Road ES

Greenbriar West ES

Haycock ES

Keene Mill ES

Little Run ES

Mantua ES

Mount Vernon Woods ES

Navy ES

Oakton ES

Parklawn ES

Pine Springs ES

Poplar Tree ES

Sangster ES

Shrevewood ES

Silverbrook ES

Springfield Estates

Terra Centre ES

Terraset ES

Waples Mill ES

West Springfield ES

Willow Springs ES

Woodburn ES

Woodley Hills ES