Midland Public Schools Language Policy

(Preschool-Fifth Grade)

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE/PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME

Revised December 11, 2019

Introduction

All teachers in the Midland Public Schools are language teachers. We believe language
is the key to all learning. Language learning is a life-long process and essential in
developing interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Furthermore, we believe that all
students should have the opportunity to learn an additional language. This enables
students to have a better understanding of the world in which we live and promotes a
global perspective. As communication in our world changes rapidly, we are committed to
adapting language instruction to reflect the evolution of language in a modern world.

This document describes our philosophies with regard to language and language
development:

• It provides the school with a framework that will promote consistency in our approach
between grade levels and between subjects.

• It provides parents with information about our principles and practices and assists
them in understanding the curriculum.

• It assists teachers in the planning, presentation and evaluation stages of teaching.

• It is a tool for teachers to use to reflect on language practices.

The points in this policy describe what we value and what we aspire to achieve as we continue
to grow in our beliefs and practices. These practices may not YET be reflected in all of the
points described in this policy, but it is our goal to put these principles into practice as we
continue to grow.

Language Philosophy

Language is the major element that connects the curriculum. We believe that language
is a vehicle for transdisciplinary learning and inquiry, and as such, provides a learning
environment that promotes, generates and supports effective communication and
language development. We understand that since language is central to learning, all
teachers are, in practice, language teachers with responsibilities to facilitate effective
communication.
Additionally, we believe that the IB Learner Profile is an integral part of learning within
the PYP. It represents the qualities of effective learners and what makes students
internationally-minded. The essential elements of the PYP together with the Learner
Profile attributes informs the planning, teaching and assessing of all language.

Language of Instruction

English is the primary language of instruction in the Midland Public Schools. All core
curricula and instructional resources, including Units of Inquiry and the Programme of
Inquiry, are written and presented in English. Through a variety of teaching
methodologies that focus on inquiry teaching and collaboration, all areas of language
arts instruction are addressed. Students are engaged in a wide variety of learning
experiences in which they are actively involved in listening, speaking, reading, writing
and viewing. Language is embedded in the curriculum and language learning is
meaningful and relevant.

The focus of language is its application across the subject areas and throughout the
transdisciplinary Programme of Inquiry (POI). The Programme of Inquiry provides an
authentic context for learners to develop and use language. Wherever possible,
language is taught through the relevant, authentic context of the Units of Inquiry.
Language is used as a tool to construct meaning and develop an understanding of the
world.

Language is essential to the development of social, emotional and cognitive skills.

Language is used in multiple ways within a variety of contexts and for varied audiences.
It has certain conventions that are essential, yet allows individuals to express
themselves.

The PYP classroom is also connected to the broader world through technology.
Students research and communicate through printed media as well as through electronic
networks. As a one-to-one device district, all students will use technology in order to
access information, communicate, and locate multimedia resources.

Language development allows students to acquire and apply a set of skills and attitudes
as well as gain an understanding of the use of language. Language consists of strands
(oral language, visual language and written language) which operate interactively. Each
of these strands addresses both expressive and receptive aspects of language
acquisition. The acknowledgement of both the expressive and receptive aspects ensures
that teachers will be aware of the need to provide a balanced language program. In the
IB Primary Years Program document Language Scope and Sequence (2018), the
strands of oral, visual and written language have been described separately and are
represented by four continuums: listening and speaking; viewing and presenting;
reading; and writing.

Language skills can be further developed by challenging each student’s level of

understanding and providing models of effective communication on an ongoing basis.
There are different developmental stages as well as learning styles that need to be
considered when learning a language. Individual students will progress through these
stages at their own pace. Developing confidence as a communicator is critical in all
students’ language development.

The Midland Public Schools’ Grade Level Handbooks (based on both Michigan’s
Academic State Standards as well as the Primary Years Programme’s Language Scope
and Sequence documents) serve as our scope and sequence documents, and identify
the key expectations considered essential in language learning. Michigan K-12
Standards: English Language Arts as well as IB’s From Principles into Practice (2018)
and Langauge Scope and Sequence (2018), are documents that guide our expectations
and work with students.

Principles and Practices of Teaching Language

We believe that students become good communicators when:

● students are engaged in a wide variety of activities in which they actively listen,
speak, read and write.

● the language curriculum is embedded in the district curriculum and language

activities are meaningful and relevant.

● the teaching of elements of language such as text structure, grammar, spelling

and vocabulary are taught both within and outside of PYP Units of Inquiry.

● the learning environment is positive, supportive and encourages verbal

expression.

● students are involved in assessing their work and receive continuous feedback
from both adults and peers.

● mother tongue development is valued and supported.

● students and teachers view language as a system with patterns and structures
that operate as tools for communication in different settings and situations.

● differences in the developmental stages and learning styles of students are

acknowledged and utilized when planning curriculum and instruction.

● the teacher models effective oral and written communication strategies.

● Language learning extends beyond the classroom and has close connections to
the school library. Media paraprofessionals highlight both the Learner Profile and
unit connections to support language development in the classrooms.
World Language(s)/Language B
Midland Public Schools differentiates Language B offerings across the district, with the
majority of the schools designating Spanish as Language B. A Four Languages &
Cultures Program is the Language B Program at Adams Elementary, and Mandarin is
Language B at Woodcrest Elementary, with the exception of kindergarten, which
receives Spanish as Language B. Students in Young 5’s through fifth grade receive
instruction in Language B twice weekly for thirty minutes.
Student instruction is provided by certified teachers who specialize in the area of World
Language(s). The purpose of this instruction is to immerse students in the language and
expose them to the unique perspectives and practices provided by learning a second or
other language.
Students learn the target language through a variety of activities and methods. The 5
C’s of World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (Communication, Culture,
Connections, Comparisons and Communities) are incorporated as well as the language
strands of oral, visual and written communication. The language components of
listening, speaking, presenting, reading, writing, and viewing across all grade levels are
an important part of instructional experiences in World Language(s).

Other Components
• Classrooms support World Language learning through conversations and
connections as appropriate.
• When applicable, attempts are made to incorporate meaningful World Language
connections to the Units of Inquiry.
• World Language(s) customs, culture and geography are explored through study
and conversation.
• Technology is incorporated to enhance and expand learning when applicable.
• A variety of teaching resources including audio, video, authentic texts, and realia
are used when applicable in the instruction of World Language(s).
• Student work may be displayed.
• School “common areas” may be labeled in additional languages. Labeling objects
within the classroom in additional languages is a continuing and growing practice
as is the incorporation of World Language(s) within each school.
• When possible, students and their families are provided opportunities to connect
with the larger global community through interactions and events. Some examples
may be, but not limited to: conversations with visiting native speakers, classroom
 volunteers and participation in the cultural events recognizing the connections in
our community.
• Professional development and collaborative time is provided on a regular basis for
the elementary World Language(s) staff under the supervision of the district
Auxiliary Education Specialist and the Teacher Leader.
• Resources and teaching materials are continually evaluated, updated and
expanded.
• World Language(s) assessments are given at the second and fifth grade levels.
These assessments reflect a variety of language goals. World Language(s)
assessments are given at multiple grade levels and focus primarily on interpretive
communication covering a variety of topics.

Mother Tongue Support

We encourage parents and students to continue to communicate in their mother tongue

whenever possible. We believe that the continued development of the mother tongue
language is crucial for cognitive development and in maintaining cultural identity. It
enables our school community to develop intercultural awareness and understanding,
and enables students to maintain esteem for the language, literature and culture of their
home country.

We strive to support the diverse population within the Midland Public Schools by
nurturing our relationship with relocation services offered by community businesses. As
students with differing languages and cultures enter our schools, appropriate resources
may be purchased and provided for use by students and teachers. Additionally,
resources, such as books, in mother tongue languages, will continue to be purchased.

We encourage parents to use their mother tongue outside of school as a way to maintain
their child’s connection to their culture. When possible and desired, a family may be
provided with a partner family to both aid in the transition to our community and provide
opportunities to continue to use the mother tongue.

Additionally, parents are invited into the classroom and to school events whenever
possible to share their language and culture. Staff members continue to create
connections with families in order to foster positive relationships that create a connection
to a student’s first/home language. Students may be encouraged to be language
“experts” in their mother tongue as we are committed to creating a school environment
that supports all students in their language development.

English Language Learners:

Midland Public Schools is committed to supporting ELLs (English Language Learners) in
many ways. Students are assessed when they enter the district using a formal
assessment tool, WIDA-ACCESS (W-APT), which looks at four language domains.
Students who score as “non-proficient” are assigned a tutor for the recommended
amount assistance per week. Students are assessed annually using WIDA-ACCESS to
monitor progress and plan instructional next steps for support and instruction.
Beyond this targeted instruction, we continue to provide experiences and support within
the classroom to build relationships with families. Students are frequently partnered with
a student within their classroom to provide support and assistance.
Assignments/learning experiences will be adapted as needed to ensure students are
able to participate and be engaged in daily classroom activities. Classrooms may include
labels in both English and the mother tongue of the student. In addition, supplemental
tools and strategies may be used as needed to support effective classroom
communication.

Assessment of Language

Language comprehension, both written and oral, are assessed on an ongoing basis. The
results are used to inform instruction. A variety of formal benchmark assessments are
used throughout the year to assess student language progress. These assessments are
indicated in the Midland Public Schools Assessment Policy (See this document for more
specific information related to assessment.).

Resources:

• Making The PYP Happen: A Curriculum Framework for International Primary Education
(IBO, 2009)
• PYP Language Scope and Sequence (IBO, 2009)
• The Primary Years Programme as a Model of Transdisciplinary Learning (IBO, 2010)
• Guidelines for developing a school language policy (IBO, 2008)
• IB/PYP Scope and Sequence –English
• Midland Public Schools’ Handbooks/Curriculum Guides
• How Midland Schools Works (sections on ELL, etc.)

The following people formed the initial Language Policy Committee (2014-2015):

Lou Ann Bensinger, Elementary Curriculum and Instructional Specialist/IB Primary Years
Programme
Robin Harshman-Rogers and Ellen Flegenheimer-Riggle, PYP Coordinators
Jennifer Brenes, Elementary World Language Teacher Leader and Spanish Teacher

Staff at the following Phase I PYP schools provided input for the original document in Spring
2015: Adams, Chestnut Hill, Plymouth, and Woodcrest.

Staff at Phase II PYP schools provided additional feedback in Winter 2016: Carpenter,
Eastlawn, and Siebert.
The Midland Public Schools Language Policy will be continually reflected upon and revised as
described in our Essential Agreements regarding policies and practices.

● Revised Spring 2016

● Revised Spring 2017
● Revised Fall 2019