Farmington English Learner Program Belief Statements
The purpose of the Farmington EL Program is to assist students in the development of their language skills while maintaining the integrity of their linguistic and cultural identities. Our goal is to motivate and encourage students to feel successful and to foster a love of learning.
We value parent/guardian involvement in the program and in the education of their children.
Therefore we will:
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When available, provide translated copies of forms and letters, and utilize tele-language services;
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Plan and facilitate a district-wide parent night that offers opportunities for networking; and
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Meet with parents/guardians on open house nights, parent conferences, and throughout the year, as necessary.
We value learning environments where students feel safe expressing themselves and their cultures.
Therefore, we will:
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Advocate for English Learners and their parents/guardians with staff, school and district administration, and the community;
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Develop relationships with English Learners and their parents/guardians;
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Connect with classroom teachers, sharing concerns and experiences of English Learners; and
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Recognize the added value of diversity in the classroom and engage in courageous conversations to promote the intercultural competence of the school and community.
We value the cultural and linguistic heritages that our English Learners bring to the classroom.
Therefore, we will:
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Inform staff, students, and families of the benefits of maintaining home languages;
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Encourage students to share their native languages and cultures;
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Incorporate books and other resources reflecting the diversity of our English Learners;
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Provide recommendations for expanding the multicultural elements of classroom libraries; and
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Celebrate the assets that English Learners bring to the classroom.
We value high expectations, continually increasing student achievement, and high-quality instruction.
Therefore, we will:
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Hold English Learners to the same MN academic standards as grade-level peers;
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Provide challenging work so that English Learners understand how to self-assess and problem solve their learning needs;
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Cultivate positive school experiences where English Learners build from previous success;
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Incorporate research-proven instructional strategies;
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Provide specifically-designed language instruction to meet the developmental needs of English Learners; and
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Use data to differentiate instruction and monitor growth in English Learners.
We value staff collaboration and partnerships across the school community.
Therefore, we will: