Manassas Park Schools Second Language Program Renamed

The Manassas Park School Board voted this month to approve a more accurate name for the school division’s English As a Second Language Program.

The school board approved a change of name for the English language development program and corresponding instructional policy from English as a Second Language (ESL) to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at its Aug. 20 meeting.

The term “ESL” is a little dated and the new term reflects that a child speaks multiple languages, Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Bowerman, director of literacy, federal programs and ESL for Manassas Park City Schools told the board this month.

The old term is slightly inaccurate in some cases and may be inferred to mean that a child only speaks one language and English is the second language to be learned, she added.

Manassas Park school administrators have often remarked on which can present a challenge when it comes to education.

The following school divisions in Northern Virginia also use the term, English for Speakers of Other Languages:

• Arlington County Public Schools
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Falls Church City Public Schools
  
• Prince William County Public Schools
• Manassas City Public Schools

Loudoun County Public Schools and Alexandria City Public Schools use the term, "English Language Learner."

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