DUAL IMMERSION PROGRAM

2015-16 School Year

Parent Information

DUAL IMMERSION PROGRAM

This would be our 2nd year for Dual Immersion

at Arbolita School.

We would grow our program to two First Grade

classrooms and begin two new Kindergarten

classes for 2015-16.

DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION

Preparing students to become

global citizens in a multi

lingual/multicultural world by

providing them with the

opportunity to become

proficient in two languages.

PROGRAM DETAILS AND GOALS

Think, speak, read and write fluently in English and Spanish.

Achieve academically at or above grade level.

Earn a Seal of Biliteracy at H.S graduation with recognized progress of biliteracy at grades 3, 5, and 8.

Develop an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

Acquire a sense of respect and responsibility for each other, their school, community, country and the world.

Empower parents to become active participants in their children’s education.

DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION

90/10 PROGRAM MODEL

Instructional Model

Kindergarten students receive 80% of their

academic instruction in Spanish and 20% in

English.

- 80/20= First Grade

- 70/30= Second Grade

- 60/40= Third Grade

- 50/50= Fourth- Eighth Grades

DUAL IMMERSION

Immersion Graphic

English at home and

environment

20% of English instruction

80% Spanish Instruction

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

Has a positive effect on intellectual growth

Long range studies show Dual Immersion students outperforming peers in academic achievement tests

Enriches and enhances a child’s cognitive development

Flexibility in thinking- problem solving and language

Improves child’s understanding of native language

Gives ability to communicate with others they may have not communicated with otherwise

Greater appreciation for different languages and cultures

Opens doors professionally and socially as an adult

Head start on language requirements for High School and college.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION:

7-9 YEARS

Extended amounts of time are needed to fully

develop second language academic proficiency

(minimum of 7-9 years).

Parents agree to a 7-9 year commitment of

students in the program.

FOCUS ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Language taught within the context of

academic content.

Curriculum based on California

Common Core Standards.

Development of high level language

skills in Spanish first, then English.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Program will be available in Kindergarten and

First Grade during the 2015-2016 school year.

Teachers – Two per grade level

Teachers possess the Bilingual Cross-

Cultural Language and Academic

Development certification - BCLAD

PROGRAM DETAILS

Ideally;

60 Students – per grade level

4 classes- 2 at Kinder/2 at First Grade

1/3 English, 1/3 Spanish only (EL) students

& 1/3 Bilingual students in each class

Ratio consistent in current classes

PROGRAM DETAILS

Specific language of instruction used by each

teacher

One teacher speaks only in Spanish

The other teacher speaks only in English to students

Teachers must never break the language code

No exceptions (phone calls, visitors, parents, etc.)

Necessary for true immersion

TESTIMONIALS

Teachers- Mrs. Navarro, Mrs. Ceballos

Parents- Mrs. Nungaray, Mrs. Cuadra, Mrs.

Lopez and Ms. Medina

IS MY CHILD A MATCH FOR DUAL IMMERSION?

My child:

Shows an interest in learning another language.

Can speak in complete sentences of at least 5-6 words.

Enjoys learning in a school setting.

Is able to pay attention for short periods of time to adult-

directed activities.

Is able to listen and follow directions.

Has the intrinsic motivation and support from family to put

forth the extra effort in school.

POSSIBLE ISSUES

Homework is in Spanish

Children may go through a “silent” period as

they acquire Spanish

Testing- Standardized

Becomes a whole family focus and effort

Other…

PARENT COMMITMENT

I will make a 7-9 year commitment to the

program.

I will ensure that my child does not miss school

unless she/he is sick.

I will be an active participant in my child’s

education.

Parents are willing to sign a contract

agreeing to these terms.

HOW STUDENTS ARE SELECTED

Siblings

Students enrolled at the host site of the program.

Students from other La Habra City School District

schools.

Out of district students

THE NEXT STEPS FOR

PARENTS/GUARDIANS INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM

Attend Parent Meetings (Parent Information Night & Parent Orientation Meeting)

Attend Kindergarten Round Up & Kindergarten Parent Orientation.

Get an “Intent to Register in the DI Program” form from your school office or from Arbolita’s school office.

Complete and submit the “Registration” form, the “Intent to Register in the DI Program” form and a Home Language Survey to the District Office Receptionist (by 3/6/15 preferred).

Parents will be notified by the school on the status of their application by mid-April 2015.

IF STUDENTS ARE SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM

Parents will be instructed to complete a transfer request (if necessary).

Parents with children tentatively placed in the program will be invited to attend an orientation meeting.

Parents must attend the orientation meeting to complete student enrollment into the program.

Please note: The District DOES NOT provide transportation to students living outside of the host school transportation area for Dual Immersion students.

QUESTIONS?