English for Speakers of Other Languages

Purpose of Program

The major goal of the ESOL program is to help students who are non-native speakers of English quickly develop their second language in order to be successful in the classroom.   Foremost, ESOL is a language arts instructional support program, and priorities for services are directed toward instruction in the English language.

Research shows that it takes 1-2 years for a student to acquire Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), yet it takes anywhere from 2-7 years to acquire the Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) a student needs to be successful in the classroom.

The ultimate goal is integration, both linguistically and culturally, within the large base of native English speakers in the schools.

Philosophy of ESOL

Non-native speakers of English can learn to utilize the English language effectively and will be able to communicate orally, understand what is read, and write with clarity and purpose.  Sufficient intervention in the language acquisition process will be provided by skilled teachers of English.

After initial assessment and placement, students are immersed in an English-based instructional program with support from endorsed ESOL teachers.

Services provided by ESOL teachers, mainstream teachers, and school-based support staff (PALS testing, Title I, Reading Specialist, etc.) focus on language acquisition and content as students advance through the instructional program and upward through grade levels.

The goal is to mainstream ELLs as quickly as possible and to provide ESOL services until assessment demonstrates that students can exit from the ESOL program.

Goals of Program

The ESOL program prepares English language learners to thrive, linguistically, culturally, and academically in the mainstream.  The ESOL program in CCPS is based on current research which supports learning language through content.  Through collaboration, ESOL and mainstream teachers use sheltered instruction strategies to help non-native speakers of English develop the language and content skills necessary for success in the 21st century.
Organizational Chart

Feeder Schools

All elementary ESOL students are served in their home schools.
Middle Schools Center and Feeder Schools
Falling Creek Manchester Providence Salem
Bailey Bridge Midlothian Carver
Tomahawk Robious Davis
 Swift Creek Matoaca
High School Centers and Feeder Schools
James River High L.C. Bird High  Meadowbrook High
Clover Hill Matoaca
Cosby High Thomas Dale
Manchester
Midlothian
Monacan
Community High
FastTrack

 

Main Office:
Thomas Fulghum Center
4003 Cogbill Road
Richmond, VA  23234
Telephone: (804) 279-7344

 

STEM

Science, technology, engineering and math were the focus of Chesterfield’s first STEM Fair, which took place at the Science Museum of Virginia. Elementary, middle and high school students competed in STEM Olympics and minute-to-win-it events that required teamwork, problem solving and high-level thinking. Click to see photos from the STEM Fair

Fine Art

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but one picture cannot adequately portray the Fine Arts Festival. That’s why you should watch this brief video.

Mobile Web App

A brand-new mobile web app makes it easier than ever to stay current with Chesterfield County Public Schools. Our free app for smartphones and tablets provides a news feed, calendar and phone numbers. Start using our app today by going here on your smartphone or tablet. Click here for instructions on how to add this app to your smartphone.