Ashford Elementary School

1815 Shannon Valley Ln.

Houston, Texas 77077

(281)-368-2120

No matter one’s first language, learning a second language is becoming critical as we become global citizens. HISD’s Elementary Dual Language program is offering new opportunities for families t become part of this proven method that helps students become proficient in two languages.

The Goals of this program are:

· Develop of fluency and literacy in English and Spanish for all students

· The integration of native English speakers and English Learners for academic instruction.

· The promotion of bilingualism, biliteracy, cross-cultural awareness, and high academic achievement.

What are the characteristics of the program:

· An enriching bilingual environment that has full support of the school’s administrators, teachers and parents.

· A minimum five-year commitment, but ideally from kindergarten to 12th grade.

· A rigorous core academic curriculum that is aligned to state standards.

What are the program standards:

· Strategic separation of language by the teacher. NO translation.

· An enrollment commitment from Kindergarten through fifth grade. (kindergarten to 12th grade is encouraged)

· Decisions on program, curriculum, and instruction based on research and best practices for English Learners

(Houston Independent School District, Dual Language Program, Two Languages, Three Benefits)

What we can offer at Ashford Elementary:

· We are proud to be a 50/50 Dual Language Model School

· Students who participate in the 50/50 program model will receive 50% of their instruction in Spanish and 50% in English in all grade levels, K to 5.

· Key vocabulary terms and concepts will be taught through cross linguistic connections to facilitate language transfer.

· Concepts and terms will not be simply retaught and/or translated the same way they were first taught.

· The strategic use of language by the students and teacher increases the development of full proficiency in both languages.