What is ESOL?

​English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a language instruction educational program provided to help ELs (English Learners) overcome language barriers and participate meaningfully in schools’ educational programs.  FCPS adheres to the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, which mandates that all students who are identified as English learners, including English learners with disabilities, are provided with an educationally sound and effective English language instruction program.  

ESOL is a powerful support which:

• ​ESOL teachers assist in closing the academic achievement gap by providing language support that improves the instruction and the assessment of English Learners.
• ESOL teachers collaborate with general education teachers in providing academic instruction to ELs and equip the teacher and the school staff with a greater understanding of the scaffolding needed to ensure ELs increase in English Language Proficiency and in academic achievement.
• ESOL teachers work to build a strong relationship between home and school by reaching out to families in the language necessary to assist parents in helping their child thrive in the educational setting.

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