Page 24 - Business Studies 9-10 (2006)

SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROGRAM PLANNING IN BUSINESS STUDIES 23
appropriate business strategies. In addition, because businesses require employees with a wide range of skills and abilities, students will learn how their backgrounds and language skills can contribute to business success.
Teachers of business studies must incorporate appropriate strategies for instruction and assess- ment to facilitate the success of the English language learners in their classrooms.These strate- gies include:
• modificationofsomeorallofthecourseexpectations,basedonthestudent’slevelof English proficiency;
• useofavarietyofinstructionalstrategies(e.g.,extensiveuseofvisualcues,graphicorganiz- ers, scaffolding; previewing of textbooks; pre-teaching of key vocabulary; peer tutoring; strategic use of students’ first languages);
• useofavarietyoflearningresources(e.g.,visualmaterial,simplifiedtext,bilingualdiction- aries, and culturally diverse materials);
• useofassessmentaccommodations(e.g.,grantingofextratime;useoforalinterviewsand tasks requiring completion of graphic organizers and cloze sentences instead of essay ques- tions and other assessment tasks that depend heavily on proficiency in English).
Students who are no longer taking ESL or ELD courses may still require program adaptations to be successful.When learning expectations in a course other than ESL and ELD are modi- fied, this must be clearly indicated on the student’s report card by checking the ESL or ELD box. (See the Guide to the Provincial Report Card, Grades 9–12, 1999.)
For further information on supporting students who are English language learners, refer to
The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 to 12: English As a Second Language and English Literacy Development, 1999 and the resource guide Many Roots, Many Voices: Supporting English Language Learners in Every Classroom (Ministry of Education, 2005).
Antidiscrimination Education in Business Studies
Antidiscrimination education promotes a school climate and classroom practice that encourage all students to work to high standards, ensure that they are given a variety of opportunities to be successful, affirm their self-worth, and help them strengthen their sense of identity and positive self-image.
The business studies curriculum is designed to help students acquire the habits of mind that are essential in a complex democratic society characterized by rapid technological, economic, political, and social change.These include respect and understanding with regard to individuals, groups, and cultures in Canada and the global community, including an appreciation and valu- ing of the contributions of Aboriginal people to the richness and diversity of Canadian life. They also involve respect and responsibility for the environment and an understanding of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizenship. Learning the importance of protecting human rights and of taking a stand against racism and other expressions of hatred and discrimi- nation is also part of the foundation for responsible citizenship and ethical business practice.
In business studies, students will learn about the changing workplace and the Canadian and global economy.They will learn how business is carried out effectively and equitably in the local and global workplace and how it is affected and enhanced by the diversity of the global marketplace.