PYP schools at SPS believe that language is the pathway to thinking, learning, communicating, and making meaning; thus, it plays a central role in the process of inquiry.  Language is a foundational part of one’s cultural identity and a building block to developing international mindedness.  It is the means through which humans connect to each other and to the world.  Ultimately, it is through language development that students acquire the necessary tools to take positive action in the world.

All PYP SPS educators are viewed as teachers of language.  We promote, value, and respect each families’ home language(s) and encourage students along the path to multilingualism. We maintain an asset-based lens of students’ language abilities and celebrate the funds of knowledge each student brings to the school community. We believe multilingualism is integral to promoting intercultural understanding, collaboration, exploration, cognition, and action.

PYP SPS educators believe:

• A constructivist lens influences the philosophy of language teaching and learning through an inquiry model.

• Language development is critical in developing international mindedness through the learner profile. 

• Best practices for differentiation are incorporated through effective assessment, interventions and reteaching. 

• Language development is nurtured through a transdisciplinary approach within the units of inquiry and across all disciplines.

• Reflection is an integral part of language development.

• Language development is fostered through the Approaches to Learning. 

• Instructional strategies encourage language acquisition. 

• Perspectives regarding language are fostered through community interactions.  

• Language is the vehicle for meaningful action to occur.  

• Multilingualism is being developed as a resource for learning. 

PYP SPS educators believe:

• Language learning is rooted in relevant, significant, challenging, and authentic curriculum that benefits the development of the whole child.

• Ongoing professional development for all staff in the fields of language learning and teaching allows for continuous growth and improvement of language instruction.   

• ELL students are screened by the district and provided English Language Development services if they qualify

• An emphasis on the transdisciplinary nature of language is showcased throughout the Programme of Inquiry. 

• English is the primary language of instruction for all students.

• All students receive an introduction to an additional language (Spanish at Field/Boyd, French at Rountree) for one hour a week.

• Language learning enriches the development of identity, cultural understanding and respect, and global stewardship.

• The Missouri Learning Standards serve as a guide for language instruction in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within an inquiry-based curriculum.