IB Primary-Years Programme Language Policy
Philosophy
The Ogden International Language Program is designed to assist students in acquiring and refining the linguistic skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century. This goal is achieved by employing the IB Language Aims and Objectives as well as our district’s guiding principles and state mandated standards to our instructional practices. Students are encouraged to use written language in authentic contexts as a means for expressing themselves powerfully, purposefully and creatively while reflecting on their learning and their lives, as well as connecting with the world. All International Baccalaureate students are encouraged to embody the Learner Profile to become lifelong learners who realize that they have a role in creating a better and more peaceful world. In all classes, students read, speak, write, listen, and view authentic realia in a variety of ways and for a number of purposes. Utilizing the inquiry based approach of the IB curriculum frameworks, students explore language and become communicators in a multilingual world.
Beliefs and Practices
Instruction and Assessment in Language and Literature
By participating in language instruction, students explore the fundamental concepts of analysing text, organising text, producing text, and using language with the purpose of communicating, learning holistically and promoting intercultural awareness.
Within the IB Programmes, students will read a variety of narrative, informational, and argumentative texts. Through literacy based inquiry methods, students will locate, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to create new knowledge. Another critical aspect of Ogden International Schools language instruction is the acquisition and application of listening and speaking skills in order to enhance comprehension and communication.
In order to provide students with an authentic and diverse language and literature learning experience, teachers will:
Use the PYP, MYP and DP aims and objectives as best practice
Instruct with Reading/Writing methodologies where appropriate
Facilitate reading in all subject areas
Provide cross-curricular connections between texts when available
Utilize a variety of texts and media including global works and perspectives
Group students based on interest, ability, and data
Use formative and summative assessments to drive instruction
Design reading/writing instruction with authentic summative assessments
Provide opportunities for students to take action within the larger community
Focus on multiple learning experiences
Provide opportunities to increase intercultural awareness through language instruction
Instruction and Assessment in Language Acquisition
Becoming culturally and linguistically proficient in two or more languages is the essence of Language Acquisition instruction for Ogden International. However, the acquisition of language is seen as a continuum along which each individual student progresses in a variety of courses.
School Language Profiles
Language of Instruction
The primary language of instruction for Ogden International Schools is English. Through schoolwide direct instruction, students develop the fluency and literacy skills necessary to ensure their ability to communicate effectively. As required by the State of Illinois, the Common Core Standards are implemented in all grade levels. DP courses are also offered to high school students who qualify.
Ogden 8th graders moving on to 9th grade can choose to switch their Language Acquisition courses from French to Spanish and from Spanish to French. All new students must take a placement exam and all current students being promoted to the next year take an exit exam at the end of the academic school year.
Additional Languages
Ogden International Schools offers language acquisition instruction in the following languages recognized by the PYP, MYP and DP:
Support for Mother Tongues
At Ogden International School, we support our families whose native language is not English. We encourage our parents and students to speak and develop their mother tongue at home. This strengthens the child’s language skills while instilling a sense of importance about his/her culture.
Furthermore, we aim to support students and families in the maintenance and development of both mother tongue language and literacy skills. Upon request, there is active support and development of the mother tongue through recognizing and celebrating various languages throughout the schools, assisting parents in accessing materials in the mother tongue, and providing extended resources through online language programs.
Learning of Host Country/Regional Language and Culture
Language instruction in Ogden International Schools seeks to be as inclusive as possible.
Accommodations are made for students needing additional language support. Students acquiring English as a new language participate in ESL support-based instruction in order to expedite English language learning, enhance United States acculturation, and to receive support that helps foster success in general education classes.
Strategies to Support Teachers and Students
All educators at Ogden International are responsible for the development of student language. Therefore, teachers, administrators, and support staff will engage in ongoing professional development to continue to improve literacy instruction.
Students are supported in language development by holistic instruction through inquiry based instruction. Differentiated practices are noted in instructional units to meet diverse learning preferences. Our inclusion policy describes the tiers of potential support for students to allow participation to the fullest extent in all courses.
Language Policy Plan
The Ogden International Language Policy is intended to be an accessible document to all stakeholders.
Review of the Language Policy
This will be reviewed and updated annually by Ogden International High School, Ogden International Middle School, and the Ogden International Elementary School communities.
The following Language Policies were used as a guide to craft The Ogden International School of Chicago’s Language Policy: Bloomfield Hills High School, Morgan Park High School, International School of Paris, Rungta International School and Ogden International High School.
The Ogden International Language Program is designed to assist students in acquiring and refining the linguistic skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century. This goal is achieved by employing the IB Language Aims and Objectives as well as our district’s guiding principles and state mandated standards to our instructional practices. Students are encouraged to use written language in authentic contexts as a means for expressing themselves powerfully, purposefully and creatively while reflecting on their learning and their lives, as well as connecting with the world. All International Baccalaureate students are encouraged to embody the Learner Profile to become lifelong learners who realize that they have a role in creating a better and more peaceful world. In all classes, students read, speak, write, listen, and view authentic realia in a variety of ways and for a number of purposes. Utilizing the inquiry based approach of the IB curriculum frameworks, students explore language and become communicators in a multilingual world.
Beliefs and Practices
Instruction and Assessment in Language and Literature
By participating in language instruction, students explore the fundamental concepts of analysing text, organising text, producing text, and using language with the purpose of communicating, learning holistically and promoting intercultural awareness.
Within the IB Programmes, students will read a variety of narrative, informational, and argumentative texts. Through literacy based inquiry methods, students will locate, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to create new knowledge. Another critical aspect of Ogden International Schools language instruction is the acquisition and application of listening and speaking skills in order to enhance comprehension and communication.
In order to provide students with an authentic and diverse language and literature learning experience, teachers will:
Use the PYP, MYP and DP aims and objectives as best practice
Instruct with Reading/Writing methodologies where appropriate
Facilitate reading in all subject areas
Provide cross-curricular connections between texts when available
Utilize a variety of texts and media including global works and perspectives
Group students based on interest, ability, and data
Use formative and summative assessments to drive instruction
Design reading/writing instruction with authentic summative assessments
Provide opportunities for students to take action within the larger community
Focus on multiple learning experiences
Provide opportunities to increase intercultural awareness through language instruction
Instruction and Assessment in Language Acquisition
Becoming culturally and linguistically proficient in two or more languages is the essence of Language Acquisition instruction for Ogden International. However, the acquisition of language is seen as a continuum along which each individual student progresses in a variety of courses.
School Language Profiles
Language of Instruction
The primary language of instruction for Ogden International Schools is English. Through schoolwide direct instruction, students develop the fluency and literacy skills necessary to ensure their ability to communicate effectively. As required by the State of Illinois, the Common Core Standards are implemented in all grade levels. DP courses are also offered to high school students who qualify.
Ogden 8th graders moving on to 9th grade can choose to switch their Language Acquisition courses from French to Spanish and from Spanish to French. All new students must take a placement exam and all current students being promoted to the next year take an exit exam at the end of the academic school year.
Additional Languages
Ogden International Schools offers language acquisition instruction in the following languages recognized by the PYP, MYP and DP:
- French (MYP and DP Only: SL and HL)
- Spanish (DP: SL and HL)
- Mandarin (PYP)
- ESL support-based instruction
- Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Support for Mother Tongues
At Ogden International School, we support our families whose native language is not English. We encourage our parents and students to speak and develop their mother tongue at home. This strengthens the child’s language skills while instilling a sense of importance about his/her culture.
Furthermore, we aim to support students and families in the maintenance and development of both mother tongue language and literacy skills. Upon request, there is active support and development of the mother tongue through recognizing and celebrating various languages throughout the schools, assisting parents in accessing materials in the mother tongue, and providing extended resources through online language programs.
Learning of Host Country/Regional Language and Culture
Language instruction in Ogden International Schools seeks to be as inclusive as possible.
Accommodations are made for students needing additional language support. Students acquiring English as a new language participate in ESL support-based instruction in order to expedite English language learning, enhance United States acculturation, and to receive support that helps foster success in general education classes.
Strategies to Support Teachers and Students
All educators at Ogden International are responsible for the development of student language. Therefore, teachers, administrators, and support staff will engage in ongoing professional development to continue to improve literacy instruction.
Students are supported in language development by holistic instruction through inquiry based instruction. Differentiated practices are noted in instructional units to meet diverse learning preferences. Our inclusion policy describes the tiers of potential support for students to allow participation to the fullest extent in all courses.
Language Policy Plan
The Ogden International Language Policy is intended to be an accessible document to all stakeholders.
Review of the Language Policy
This will be reviewed and updated annually by Ogden International High School, Ogden International Middle School, and the Ogden International Elementary School communities.
- Reviewed and Updated, April, 2018 by the Middle & High School Language Acquisition department at the Ogden International School of Chicago
The following Language Policies were used as a guide to craft The Ogden International School of Chicago’s Language Policy: Bloomfield Hills High School, Morgan Park High School, International School of Paris, Rungta International School and Ogden International High School.