Classroom Supports Using the Home Language

The classes at International Community High School are designed to provide home language supports for students. Research has shown that maintaining and developing home language skills helps to retain content and develop English language skills. By incorporating home languages, such as Spanish, French, Arabic, and Bengali into lessons, teachers provide support for new arrivals in a language that they can understand and in which they feel comfortable. This approach not only helps to ensure that students can understand classroom material, but it also provides a safe and welcoming environment. While students may rely on their home language for support at the beginning of their high school journey, their in-class use of their home language becomes less frequent as their English skills improve and students feel more comfortable with the language.