Language Policy
Booker T. Washington High School encourages opportunities for students and faculty to discuss and reflect on language usage in various contexts. We understand that language is the foundation for developing the interpersonal communication skills needed to be part of a group. For students, language development and acquisition begin in the home and the language used in the home is part of a student’s cultural identity. Thus, students’ home language reflects their families and local communities, and as a school, we embrace the linguistic diversity of our student body. Because we are a diverse school, we encourage and support multilingualism through our Language Acquisition courses. Additionally, in our Language and Literature courses, we recognize the need to develop the standard academic language used in school for instruction so that students’ language use will reflect that they are members of a school community and a national and global community as well. In summation, as an IB MYP school, we strive to validate and respect students’ home language, encourage students’ acquisition of foreign languages, and advance students’ proficiency in standard academic language.
Policy 3602: English Language Learners
The TPS School Board recognizes English to be the primary language spoken and taught within the District. The Superintendent will provide programs, services and activities designed to meet all state and national academic standards for English language learners equivalent to those standards expected of all learners.
Policy 3602-R: English Language Learners
Appropriate testing will be administered to students in grades PreK-12 whose primary language is other than English in order to determine English language skill proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All English language learners will be identified for testing, appropriate placement, and specialized instruction.