Answer to Question #216210 in English for Esko

Question

What are the the most important components that should be included in the language policy of the school?

Answer 1

A school's language policy addresses areas where language issues occur in the school's operations and programs. It outlines what the school intends to do in response to areas of concern and contains provisions for follow-up, monitoring, and policy adjustment as circumstances change. It's a dynamic action statement that shifts with the school's changing environment. An effective language policy and implementation plan should adhere to all federal, state, and local policies and accountability requirements, respond to local community needs, interests, and concerns, and promote the development and implementation of educationally sound programs for language learners (ELLs and/or English speakers) that produce valid and reliable results. Besides, it should be understood and supported by all stakeholders (administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community members) and should guide local decision-making. A mission statement should be included in the language policy that expresses the school district's or school's position on languages other than English. All policies and processes in school districts and schools that are devoted to sustaining and promoting languages other than English, not just for ELLs but also for English speakers, must reflect this objective.