dual language program parent orientation new caney isd robert crippen elementary august 12, 2015
TRANSCRIPT
Dual Language ProgramParent OrientationNew Caney ISD
Robert Crippen Elementary
August 12, 2015
What is Dual Language?
● Enrichment program
● Academic courses are taught in Spanish and English
● TEKS required by the State of Texas are taught concurrently in both English and Spanish
● Spanish is not taught as a separate class
New Caney ISD
50:50 Dual Language Program
NCISD Dual Language Goals• All students will acquire a second
language while maintaining their native language.
• All students will have high academic achievement at or above grade level.
• All students will develop positive cross cultural attitudes.
• Partnerships among parents, teachers, and administration will create bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students.
Program design
50:50 Model
K 1 2 3 4 50
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
SpanishEnglish
Program designTwo-Way Dual Language Program
If accepted, your child will participate in a TWDL program
Native Spanish speaking students and Native English speaking studentswill learn together academic contentwhile developing a second language.
Non-Negotiables
• Commitment of at least 6 years
• 50:50 Model
• Strategic separation of languages (no translation allowed)
• Simultaneous literacy development
National Data - Remedial v. Enrichment ModelsLong-Term Academic Achievement- TWDL
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 110
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Two-Way DL
Average English Reading Performance - English Speakers
Average English Reading Performance
Note: Program Implementation through 5th Grade only
(Thomas & Collier, 2009)
NCE
Is it a good choice for my child and family?
• How important is it for my child to receive high grades in all subjects?
• Will my child be involved in organized sports as this will impact homework time?
• Is being on time and good attendance a priority?
Is Dual Language for me?
● Dual Language is a team effort. Parents must be willing to spend time on homework, reading in English and Spanish, and encouragement.
● Parents who help their child learn English will see more success in Spanish.
Grading concerns
• Because DL students are learning content and language at the same time, teachers use linguistically differentiated assessment or accommodations to measure the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills in students’ second language.
• Not always first- and second-language grades will match. However, grades should not vary greatly.
• For more information:2015 -2016 Elementary Dual Language Program Grading Guidelines
(NCISD Parent/Student Handbook & StudentCode of Conduct)
I don’t speak Spanish!How will I help my child with homework?
• HW will be in English and Spanish.
• The purpose and directions for the assigments will be clearly communicated in English and Spanish.
• In class, teachers will explain HW in a way that students will complete the assigments independently and succesfully at home.
• No new concepts will be included in HW assigments
My child doesn’t speak Spanish!How will he/she understand?
• Initially, students will not understand what is being said, but the teachers use many visual supports, and body language to help the students understand and gain meaning.
Will my child struggle?
• Maybe yes!
• Learning a second language is a rewarding but it is a difficult process.
• Parents must be involved and committed to supporting their children by encouraging them.
• Support as needed is also provided in the classroom or pull out groups.
Will this be difficult for the parents?
● Parents also will feel frustrated and inadequate at times.
● You must look at the “big picture,” and realize that it will get better.
● The rewards of dual language are worth the effort!!
Will my child be frustrated?
● Yes. At times!
● Your child may cry, feel lost and frustrated. You may also feel this way from time to time.
● Emotional support for children is critical.
Will my child have friends?
• Of course! Your child will make friends.
• This is a concern some parents have. Children always will find ways to communicate.
How long will my child be in the dual language program?
• NCISD dual language program is available to K-5 students, and it is being expanded in 6th-12th grades.
• Research indicates that it takes 5-7 years to learn a second language.
• Commitment to the program is crucial in ensuring your child is successful in becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.
What are the benefits?● Has a positive effect on intellectual growth
and enriches and enhances a child's mental development
● Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening
● Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language
● Gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know
● Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries
● Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college
● Increases job opportunities in many careers where
knowing another language is a real asset.
Commitment
● Decide if the dual language is appropriate for your child.
● Enrollment will be based on how many spaces are available in each school.
● If the number of student applicants is greater than the number of spaces available, we will hold a lottery to determine admission. You will then be notified of your child's placement.
Contact Information
• Dr. Pascual YacovodonatoNCISD Director of Bilingual Services<[email protected]>
• Crystal MayesPrincipal
• Daniela BlairELL Specialist [email protected]@newcaneyisd.org
• Mayra Andrade
Dual Language Team [email protected]
Questions