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Dual Language Programs. Considerations for Language Majority Parents. What are Dual Language 2-Way Programs?. Academic Programs K-5 th Objectives: Bilingualism Biliteracy Multiculturalism Native English Speakers Native Spanish Speakers. Model. The Research: Thomas and Collier.
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Dual Language Programs Considerations for Language Majority Parents
What are Dual Language 2-Way Programs? • Academic Programs K-5th • Objectives: • Bilingualism • Biliteracy • Multiculturalism • Native English Speakers • Native Spanish Speakers
The Research: Thomas and Collier • Comparison of English Language Learners’ Long Term K-12 • Achievement on Standardized Tests in English • (Based on 210,000 student records in 5 school districts across the U.S.)
For how long have DL programs been around? • The first Dual Language Program in the USA took place in Dade County Public Schools, Miami in 1962. • Today, there are more than 300 nation-wide programs. • 94% of DL programs are Spanish/English
What are the advantages of DL programs? • Bilingualism (Cazabon, Lambert, & Heise-Baigorria, 2002) • Biliteracy (Lindholm-Leary, 2001; Thomas & Collier, 2002). • Multiculturalism (Lindholm-Leary, 2001; Thomas & Collier, 2002).
When could I expect my child to perform at level in English? • Native English • At grade level in English reading the year in which they start receiving formal English reading instruction. • At grade level in Spanish typically by the end of third grade. • Native Spanish • As a group, typically at grade level in English in middle school. • In Spanish, typically at grade level in second grade
What can I do as a parent to get involved? • A strong home-School connection is very important. Communications in the form of weekly newsletters and or voicemails occur in both English and Spanish.
How can I help my child with homework? • Clean area to do homework • Enough time • Appropriate materials • Ask questions! Tons of questions!
Are there professional institutions with special interest in DL programs? • The Center of Applied Linguistics (CAL) • The National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE) • Illinois Research Center (IRC)
Who do I contact if I have any questions? • Your school principal • Rhonda Schum, Director of Elementary School • Gabriela Bell, Bilingual/ESL Program and Spanish Literacy Coordinator