Vision and Goals of the English as a Second Language ESL / ESLD Curriculum
Vision
For many English language learners, achievement of the expectations may require them to adopt new ways of learning and new ways of interacting with others. However, growth towards full linguistic and cultural competence in English should not be at the expense of students’ own languages and cultures. A major goal of any instructional program for English language learners should be to encourage students to value and maintain their own linguistic and cultural identities so that they can enter the larger society as bilingual and bicultural individuals. Such young people are able to choose language and cultural norms that are appropriate in any given situation or cultural context, and can fully participate in and contribute to our multilingual, multicultural Canadian society.
Goals
The ESL and ELD curriculum is based on the belief that broad proficiency in English is essential to students’ success in both their social and academic lives, and to their ability to take their place in society as responsible and productive citizens. The curriculum is designed to provide English language learners with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve these goals. Its aim is to help students become successful English language learners who can: -use English to communicate effectively in a variety of social settings;
- use English to achieve academically in all subject areas;
- take charge of their own learning, independently and in groups;
- select and use effective learning strategies;
- integrate confidently into mainstream courses;
- use English effectively to advocate for themselves in all areas of their lives;
- make a successful transition to their chosen postsecondary destination (work, apprenticeship, college, university); -function effectively in a society increasingly committed to the use of information technology;
- use critical-literacy and critical-thinking skills to interpret the world around them;
- participate fully in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of their communities and of Canada.