LANGUAGE DIVERSITY AT AISC

HONORING LANGUAGE DIVERSITY

AISC values its cultural and linguistic diversity. As a school offering a United States-style curriculum, English is the principal language of communication, instruction, and assessment in all subjects except World Language classes. Nonetheless, teachers and staff appreciate that there may be times when students find it beneficial to discuss complex academic concepts in their first language with others who also share the same language.

Furthermore, teachers and staff are encouraged to find opportunities to publicly value students’ other languages, and recognize their importance in today’s world. Where possible, teachers and staff model the value of learning languages for academic development and international mindedness. Furthermore, when English is not the home language, it is important for students and their parents to acknowledge their responsibility to maintain home language skills while students are simultaneously developing their English language skills.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

A significant number of students at AISC speak a language other than English at home.

The English Language Development (ELD) Department is committed to excellence in delivering English language services in a nurturing and inclusive environment. ELD teachers work with a variety of teachers to ensure English Language Learners (ELLs) have access to grade-level content and support to develop academic English. This is done through:

• The use of progressive language scaffolds based on language proficiency during instruction and assessment;

• Strategic grouping for language practice and content reinforcement; and

• The planning and delivery of targeted language development mini-lessons.

The goal is to support students as they develop the English language proficiency needed for academic and social success alongside the development of grade-level content.

In addition, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classes are offered. Eligible students take EAP as a World Language. EAP classes are designed to support students in rapidly acquiring skills needed to access academic content and build the needed receptive and productive language skills across core subject areas. It should be noted that though material from core content areas may be used to teach specific skills, the EAP classes are designed to build general academic skills in writing, speaking, listening, and reading, and not to directly support content-specific classes.