April 12, 2023
In-class prompts and district initiatives are helping students grow
In a math class at Patterson High School in southeast Baltimore, charting a line graph means more than connecting dots and understanding numbers. It means explaining in writing how to create the graph. In science class, students aren’t only testing objects’ buoyancy, they’re describing in their own words how what they learn applies to the real world.
At Patterson, learning and language go hand in hand. No matter the subject, students are challenged to demonstrate and practice their grasp of language through prompts on posters throughout the school, and in the practice of every educator and student.
The attention on language is intentional. Around 47 percent of Patterson students are identified as English learners (EL), and the school community includes students from 29 different countries that speak 14 different first-languages. Overall, English learners are the fastest growing student population in the district, and City Schools is stepping up to support them with approaches like those at Patterson. That support is important - students may understand content but lack the ability to express that understanding.
“We infuse language instruction into everything we do,” explained Patterson High School Principal April Myrick. “Using language to reflect and support your learning is a skill we all need to build, whether you’re a native English speaker or not. No one is born fluent in academic language! Our universal approach is benefitting all of our students, and it’s bringing them together.”
Beyond consistently emphasizing language objectives like listening, reading, writing and speaking, Patterson celebrates and leverages the many cultures convening in its classrooms. It offers bilingual guidance counseling along with dedicated coaches to support EL students.
“I’m seeing students of all backgrounds encourage and support one another in their use of language,” said Principal Myrick. “I’m seeing a diverse community that truly cares. It’s inspiring, and gives me high hope for this generation of brilliant scholars.”
Patterson’s strategy reflects City Schools’ wide-ranging commitment to supporting EL students. Here are a few examples:
Transitional 9th Grade Semester: International students often arrive in Baltimore well after the school year begins. Instead of requiring these students to quickly adjust and be ready for 10th grade in half a year, City Schools created a transitional 9th grade semester for students to settle into the structures, classes and communities surrounding their learning before beginning 9th grade the following year.
Spanish Algebra: Offered at Patterson High School, Benjamin Franklin High School, and Digital Harbor High School, Spanish speakers can confidently build skills as a foundation for their math learning throughout school.
Multilingual Enrollment & Support Center: Launched in 2018, the Center helps newly-arrived families navigate the process of enrolling in school and settling into Baltimore. The Center evaluates students’ language abilities and academic standing, and facilitates the creation of individualized instructional programs that fit each student’s need.
Enhanced Coaching: Dedicated coaches support EL students in their classes, ensuring that they understand and meet the academic language demands of lessons. More than 30 ESOL Coaches are supporting students across Baltimore today.
To learn more about City Schools’ support of non-native english speaking students, click here.