Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools/Language through Content (FLES/LTC)
FLES/LTC develops students' language proficiency through language instruction supporting the development of STEAM concepts.
Program Description
The FLES/LTC program uses an approach to language learning that allows students to develop basic communicative skills in a target language while reinforcing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) skills, with an emphasis on Science, as well as introducing students to topics of global importance such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Combining these skills with early language learning provides a unique way for students to acquire a target language while preparing them with the Portrait of a Graduate skills/attributes needed to become successful global citizens. The program is designed to provide all students in a FLES-LTC elementary school site, grades K through 6th, the opportunity to learn a target language. FCPS offers FLES/LTC programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Students receive 60 minutes of language instruction per week which focuses more on meaningful and purposeful communication than on grammatical mastery. Students are encouraged first to understand and then to produce in the language. The target language is used by both teachers and students.
Program Goals
The goals of the FCPS FLES/LTC program are:
- To promote academic excellence by providing students a pathway to develop language proficiency to communicate effectively in another language
- To develop increased cognitive skills
- To develop intercultural/global competency skills by supporting integrated STEAM concepts instruction with a strong focus on Science
- To promote the development of “Ethical and Global Citizens” who acknowledge and understand diverse perspectives and cultures and contribute to solutions that benefit the broader community, as defined in the “Portrait of a Graduate.”
- To develop increased functional proficiency in all aspects of the language with each year of study
- To meet district, state, and national world language standards
Research studies indicate that the early study of a second language results in cognitive benefits, gains in academic achievement, and increases in self-esteem, creativity, and positive attitudes toward diversity. The Virginia Department of Education considers the study of world languages an essential component of the Commonwealth’s efforts to “provide challenging educational programs in its public schools”.
Instructional Process
FLES/LTC instruction is proficiency-oriented. This means that there is a greater focus on meaningful and purposeful communication than on grammatical mastery. Students are encouraged first to understand and then to produce in the language. The target language is used by both teachers and students.
FCPS FLES/LTC Program Articulation from Kindergarten to High School
Students will join the established course sequence for World languages at the Secondary Grade levels.
Participating Schools by Language
| Language | Schools |
|---|---|
| Arabic | Beech Tree ES Sleepy Hollow ES |
| Chinese | Chesterbrook ES Clermont ES Fairhill ES Hollin Meadows ES Oak Hill ES Providence ES Spring Hill ES Wolftrap ES |
| French | Kent Gardens ES |
| German | Orange Hunt ES |
| Japanese | Gunston ES |
| Korean | Collin Powell ES |
| Spanish | Bailey's ES Belle View ES Belvedere ES Braddock ES Brookfield ES Cherry Run ES Churchill Road ES Clearview ES Columbia ES Colvin Run ES Cunningham Park ES Daniels Run ES Dogwood ES Dranesville ES Fairview ES Flint Hill ES Floris ES Fort Hunt ES Franklin Sherman ES Graham Road ES Greenbriar West ES Haycock ES Keene Mill ES Little Run ES Mantua ES Mount Vernon Woods ES Navy ES Oakton ES Parklawn ES Pine Springs ES Poplar Tree ES Sangster ES Shrevewood ES Silverbrook ES Springfield Estates Terra Centre ES Terraset ES Waples Mill ES West Springfield ES Willow Springs ES Woodburn ES Woodley Hills ES |
