Lynchburg City Schools

Focus of the LCS ESL Program

Focus One

All students enrolled in the ESL instructional program will learn English through the provision of appropriate ESL instructional techniques and methods. In addition, the ESL students’ acquisition of English Literacy will be enhanced when appropriate opportunities for social and classroom interaction are provided.

Focus Two

The ESL student will learn Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS). Thereby providing the student a formula for self-confident expression, the ability to cope successfully with daily situations, and a meaningful involvement in school activities.

Focus Three

As the ESL student receives appropriate instruction in English, he/she will begin to develop Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). CALP is defined as a knowledge of English that enables the student to have meaningful involvement in the LCS curriculum and an ability to gain, integrate, and use knowledge in order to be a positive and productive member of the school community and beyond.

Focus Four

The ESL Teacher serves as support to the ESL students, their teachers and through the building principal, a LCS liaison with the ESL students’ parents and community. Through this support the ESL student will be given opportunities to share his/her culture and pride in his/her home language with other students. By sharing the student will develop an understanding of and respect for the cultures of others.

Focus Five

The goal is that the ESL student will be mainstreamed as quickly as possible so that he/she can actively participate in the total school environment.