Our Philosophy
Oakmont High School staff believes that all students can learn at high levels. We recognize that language is central to learning. All teachers, in practice, are language teachers. We expect that all students will acquire languages (English and second languages) and perform at high levels. Students will receive intervention to ensure that all students can perform at or above grade level.
All students are required to take an English course each school year at Oakmont High School. This is a district‐wide graduation policy. This complements the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) system requirement (A‐G) for English of 4 years.
Although learning a second language isn’t a graduation requirement for our district, Oakmont High School promotes second language acquisition for all students. The A‐G requirement has a minimum entrance requirement of 2 levels of learning a language other than English. Our school promotes this A‐G requirement for the UC/CSU system by offering 5 levels of both French and Spanish.
Language Acquisition (Mother Tongue and 2nd Language)
Through the implementation of Common Core there is a shift in instructional/classroom practices to emphasize development of language skills within subjects. Each subject has specific vocabulary. The vocabulary will assist in comprehending the concepts as well as being able to effectively communicate in that subject.
Example of classroom practices are:
Use of word walls
Direct instruction of academic vocabulary
Identification of Tier 2 words (Isabel Beck “Bringing Words to Life”)
Direct instruction of Tier 3 words
Perform complex literacy tasks (i.e. classifying, grouping, close reading, and annotating)
Exposure to text at or above students’ grade level
Reading and comprehending complex text
Multiple modalities: gesturing, modified speed of speech, and use of visuals
Professional Development is provided to staff members to complement their CLAD credential skills and further support academic language development in the classroom. These will support both the development of the English language and second language acquisition.
Identify students who struggle with knowledge of academic vocabulary
Foster higher levels of student talk (v.s. teacher talk) – making positive use of student collaboration and communication for learning
Develop more performance tasks (for students) that involve more use of language – i.e. presentations, Depth of Knowledge (DOK) level 3 and 4 assignments, technical reading and writing projects, group work
Break down and understand complex text through the use of primary source documents and technical writing to formulate and synthesize and to create something new
Delivery of best first instruction
These strategies and classroom activities are monitored by formative and summative assessments as well as in the structure of the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Second Language Acquisition
The World Language Department believes that all students can acquire, at a minimum, a second language. The department teaches with comprehensible input so that all students can acquire the language. For Native Spanish speakers, we have a Native Spanish course that would then move students to a level 4 course and/or and IB level course. We work with our 8th graders for proper placement in to level 1 or 2 depending on their prior knowledge of the language.
Parent and Student Planning
Oakmont provides 8th grade orientation for parents to educate them on the course selection process. The Oakmont course catalog covers the 4 year planning process, including A‐G planning. For parents of English Learners, this education in long term planning is particularly important.
We have incorporated Naviance, an internet based software that is for 4‐year high school planning and exploration of college and career options. It also assists students in finding pathways for post high school options (college majors, military, technical schools, and work options). The 4‐year planning aligns to the UC/CSU requirements and our graduation requirements.