MYP Language Policy

OHMS MYP Language Policy

In accordance with the IB’s commitment “to supporting multilingualism as fundamental to increasing intercultural understanding and international-mindedness,” we have developed this language policy. 

Purpose:

 The purpose of our language policy is to define:

  • the framework for language learning at Oak Hammock Middle School. 
  • how we will support both those students whose mother tongue is not English and all mother tongues.
  • ·our commitment to ensuring language acquisition for all students. 

Definitions:

  • Mother-Tongue: The language that a student uses outside of the classroom, their first or preferred language. 
  • Language and Literature: One of the eight disciplines that aims to help students “use language as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis and social interaction.”
  • Language acquisition: The course that aims to help students “gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage.”

Philosophy of Language:

OHMS is dedicated to providing “access to an IB education for students from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds” and supporting our diverse population. Educators take approaches to teaching and learning that include differentiation to meet the needs of all learners and honing students’ communication skills, which support language learners. All teachers have the responsibility for facilitating communication. Students are encouraged to embody the Learner Profile attribute as Communicators. Our goal is for the students to communicate “confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways.”

Language Curriculum at Oak Hammock Middle School:

Language and Literature:

The development of Language and Literature is imperative as it necessary in order for students to make interdisciplinary connections. All students are required to complete Language and Literature coursework. Students with minimal understanding of the English language, which is approximately 40% of our population, will be provided additional support in their acquisition of the school’s Language and Literature. Students that are identified as not proficient in Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS), identified by earning a 1 or 2 on the Florida Standards Assessment, are required to take intensive reading every day (double block). The intensive reading class is intended to support students in developing reading skills like fluency, comprehension of text, and decoding.

Language Acquisition:

OHMS recognizes the benefits for students being able to express themselves in more than one language and develop cultural understanding. Students will receive language acquisition in Spanish class.  We also offer a class where students who are considered to be monolingual (in a language other than English) can focus on acquiring English proficiency.  Upon successful completion of Spanish, students will earn a high school foreign language credit. 

Mother Tongue Support:

The most proficient language for the majority of students at Oak Hammock is English, and our instruction is conducted in English. We do have students who are bilingual, and at home, speak a language other than English. In order to help students adapt, we have full time ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) paraprofessionals that provide support in language and literature and mathematics classes. We also offer AVID Excel, which is designed to help English Language Learners acquire professional language skills.

References:

Language Policy.  International Baccalaureate Organization, 2014.

MYP: from Principles into Practice. International Baccalaureate Organization, 2014.

Pine View Middle School Language Policy. PVMS. https://pvms.pasco.k12.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/pvms/2018/12/PVMS-Language-Policy.pdf

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