Programs

ESOL Program Overview

The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program is designed to serve students whose native language is not English and to provide assistance to the schools that these students attend. Achievement for all students is the goal of Baltimore County Public Schools. The ESOL program provides direct instructional and educational support to English language learners. These students may be immigrants, refugees, non-permanent residents, or native-born Americans and possess a broad range of academic skills and knowledge of English.

ESOL instruction is provided for students whose English proficiency is not adequate for them to be fully successful in the regular classroom.  Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are all emphasized. By presenting different learning strategies through academic, social, and cultural activities, the ESOL program helps to meet the academic and social needs of the ESOL student. Students are also helped to understand U. S. culture while maintaining a positive concept of their own cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

<< View the ESOL center matrix >>

Students in Pre-K through grade 5 participate in a pull-out program. Elementary ESOL provides a framework using content-based instruction that enables students to progress to succeeding levels in the program while enrolled in mainstream classes.  Secondary students attend an ESOL Center where they receive ESOL instruction on a daily basis and are mainstreamed into content courses as their English proficiency improves.

Multicultural and multi-linguistic skills are increasingly vital in today's global community. As part of Baltimore County Public Schools, ESOL embraces the vision for the academic success of every student.

LOTE Program Overview

The LOTE, Languages Other Than English, program is designed to provide opportunities for students to develop proficiency in a language other than their own. Language and communication are key components to success in today’s society. Whether we look to the international community or to the increasingly diverse population in the United States, the ability to communicate in more than one language is becoming more and more essential in daily life.

Second Language study enables students to communicate with people in other cultures and countries, to develop a better understanding of their own language and culture, to increase their awareness of opportunities in the global community, and to access additional resources and knowledge.

Recognizing the importance of language study, the Baltimore County Public Schools offers sequential programs in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish to middle and high school students. Advanced Placement courses are available in all of the languages to students who have pursued the longest possible sequence and have attained a high level of proficiency in the target language.

<< View the languages and the schools where they are offered >>

Magnet Programs