Goals
Language learning can be planned across the entire curriculum. And just as teachers can build on learners’ prior knowledge of language and concepts, they can help learners extend their existing language-learning strategies.
It will take 7 or more years for bilingual Pasifika students who start school mainly speaking a Pasifika language to catch up with their cohort in terms of learning academic language. Throughout this time, bilingual Pasifika students’ English-language development will need careful monitoring and attention. It’s important to specify language-learning goals clearly, and to consult with the students and their families to jointly decide on each student’s priorities. It’s also important to ensure that ongoing assessment records students’ progress and clearly identifies the goals they have achieved.
