This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Good practice for bilingual learners
17/03/2006
A good practice guide giving advice on teaching pupils whose first language is not English is now available.
Learning in 2 (+) Languages gives teachers:
- A clear explanation of what the term bilingual learner means
- A Scottish context
- An understanding of the strengths as well as the development needs of bilingual learners
- Information about the importance of involving parents / carers and respecting the home background
- Practical guidance and advice on planning for bilingual learners and developing English as an additional language
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"Every pupil deserves the same standard of education, whether their first language is English, Chinese, Turkish or any other.
"Our Fresh Talent scheme attracts skilled workers from across the globe to Scotland. As it grows in popularity we will see more children whose first language is not English in our schools.
"This can make our schools stronger and benefit all pupils by helping them to learn about diversity and tolerance as well as other cultures, countries and religions.
"However, it is important that our teachers know about the most effective methods and best practice for teaching bilingual pupils. I hope this good practice guide will support teachers and help ensure pupils get the best start in life, no matter what their native tongue is."
Learning in 2 (+) Languages is published by Learning and Teaching Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Executive. It was written by staff from the Centre for Education for Racial Equality (CERES), with a number of English as an additional language (EAL) professionals under the Scottish EAL coordinating Council (SEALLC) The Executive provided funding of £12,000.
The Executive provides councils with £9.5 million to support the implementation of the Additional Support for Learning (Scotland) Act, £25 million to support the inclusion of pupils with additional support needs and £7.2 million for specific staff training around additional support needs. All of these funding streams can be drawn upon to fund specific initiatives for bilingual pupils.
The Fresh Talent initiative aims to attract bright, talented and hard-working individuals to live, work and study in Scotland, and help ensure the country's long term economic and cultural growth. It recognises that we need a constant supply of fresh talent to flourish alongside the home-grown talent.