Mission

The Pattonville English Learner Department challenges language learners to be socially and academically successful students in the Pattonville School District and active participants in a global society. 

Belief Statements

We Believe that 

• Language learning is developmental and acquired in stages

• Language is best acquired through purposeful practice in the target language 

• The rate of acquisition differs among language learners

• ELs need to develop basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS)

• ELs need to develop cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP)

• Content-based instruction (CBI) reflects best practices on how to support ELs who are developing proficiency in both BICS and CALP

• Quality CBI contains the following components: 

  • • Allows language learners to deeply engage with the content

    • Allows language learners to acquire the academic vocabulary and language skills needed for the mainstream classroom

• Uses technology to enhance and develop digital-age learning experiences.

• Use of the native language in the home enhances second language acquisition

• Students need to be proficient in all four domains of English (listening, speaking, reading, and writing)

• ELs are proficient in English when they are able to participate fully in the general education classroom

• A rigorous curriculum that includes planned, focused practice of language is necessary to achieve an increased level of proficiency 

• Learning strategies and literacy in the first language facilitates learning strategies and literacy in the second language

• Cultural differences enrich the lives of all members of the school community