ESL

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Goals of Instruction
The course in this program are designed to meet the academic linguistic and social needs of limited English speaking students. One goal of the course is to develop in students the ability to express themselves accurately, appropriately, fluently and confidently among native speakers of English, in the classroom, in the informal social situations, and in the business and professional world. A second goal is to provide students with instruction in their native language and appreciation of their native cultures.

The program provides an environment where students can progress academically by offering instruction in the new language while allowing time for them to develop fluency in English, master the skills needed for academic success ad become familiar with American culture. Writing portfolios are required.

Sequence of Courses
Beginning ESL: In this introductory level course students with little knowledge of English take their first steps toward mastery of the new language. Focus is on comprehension and communication of basic survival vocabulary.

Intermediate ESL: This course will further develop oral, written and reading comprehension skills while exploring English language literature and American culture.

Advanced ESL: This course continues the development of the students oral, written and reading skills through advanced study of English language literature and American culture.

Transitional ESL: This course is the transition course that prepares the students for the mainstream English classes. Students who score above the designated level on the LAB examination will be programmed for this class.

In addition to the above courses, students are usually programmed for Supplemental ESL (LS courses) to help them gain mastery of English more quickly. Each of these LS classes is intended to supplement the instruction the student receives in the content classes (social studies, math & science). Each level parallels the levels of the regular ESL classes.

Student Placement
Students are programmed for the different levels of instruction based upon their LAB score, junior high record, and teacher evaluation.

Diploma Requirements
All students are required to pass eight (8) terms of English in order to earn a NYS and NYC diploma.

Foreign Languages

Goals of Instruction
The purposes of foreign language instruction at Fashion are to teach the basics of a language other than English and to develop an appreciation of the culture of that language. Native Language courses strive to give students a deeper understanding of their language and culture and prepare students for Advanced Placement examinations.

Sequence of Courses

Spanish
Beginning Spanish. This course is for beginners with no previous knowledge of Spanish.

Intermediate Spanish. This course is for those students who have passed the proficiency exam in Spanish or have previously passed one or more years of Spanish in junior high or have passed Beginning Spanish.

Advanced Spanish. This course is for students who have passed Intermediate Spanish. This course ends with a Regents examination; it is only offered when demand warrants and the budget permits.

Native Language Arts Spanish. This course is for students who speak Spanish. It will prepare students for the Spanish Regents.

Advanced Placement Spanish. This is a college level course intended for proficient native speakers and very advanced non-native speakers.

French
French is only offered when sufficient funding is available and there are sufficient students to fill the appropriate classes. Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced levels may be offered.

Student Placement
Students are programmed for a language based on the results of the school placement test.

Diploma Requirements
All students must pass one year of a foreign language to be eligible for the NYS and NYC diploma. Those who wish a more in depth study of the language are encouraged to continue through a second and /or third year. Passing the Regents exam in a foreign language after successfully completing at least one year of study in that language earns the student three years of Regents credit.

Course Crediting Note
First year language courses are considered one year courses. For any credit to be granted, the spring semester course must be passed.