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North Chatham Dual Language. “Con ganas todo es posible ” “With effort everything is possible”. Things to keep in mind. “No child has to lose a language to learn a language.” “In a successful program, everyone is a second language learner.”
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North Chatham Dual Language “Con ganastodoesposible” “With effort everything is possible”
Things to keep in mind • “No child has to lose a language to learn a language.” • “In a successful program, everyone is a second language learner.” • “Every child keeps their first language and learns one more.” • “1 in 5 Americans can speak a language other than English at home.” • North Carolina is 1 of 3 states with the fastest growing multilingual population. • RTP, Charlotte is a banking center, The University system
Our Journey Here… • A multi-year long journey • An interest in taking advantage of the international feel and diversity of our community • La Cosecha 2010 • Conversation with staff regarding dual language potential for North Chatham and created a voluntary committee to investigate options • Spent last year attending conferences and going on 7 school visits to 5 different area schools • Reviewed findings and made commitment to begin in August of 2012.
Our Journey Here… Why? • Academic Learning Goals • Increase speaking, reading, and writing proficiency for all students in English.
Our Journey Here… Why? • Academic Learning Goals • Increase speaking, reading, and writing proficiency for all students in English. • Increase achievement for all students
Our Journey Here… Why? • Academic Learning Goals • Increase speaking, reading, and writing proficiency for all students in English. • Increase achievement for all students • Maintain a focus on curriculum • New Common Core and Essential Standards • Focus on Thematic, rigorous, relevant instruction
Our Journey Here Why? • Academic Goals • Cognitive benefits include increased creativity, problem solving, greater flexibility in thinking. • Embracing our diversity • Increase cultural awareness • The program is “additive”. We want to add to what students know, not take anything away. • Students stay connected to their families and community while building bridges to other communities • “Bilingualism opens doors for employment on a global level” • 2006 National Alliance of Business said 65% of employers want Bilingual and multiculturally competent employees.
Let’s Roll! • Our Vision: • An innovative program challenging students with relevant bilingual instruction empowering them to become life long learners in a diverse, multilingual society. • Our beliefs: • Everyone benefits from learning more than one language • Every child can be proficient in two languages • Every culture has value
What is Dual Language? • An umbrella term covering programs that support bilingual education. • A focus on learning the curriculum through learning a second language. • Is NOT a separate foreign language class • A long-term commitment to becoming fluent in 2 languages
The model North Chatham has chosen… • Dual Language has many models • How many students from each language ? • Can be just one language represented or a mix of two • We will have both languages represented with slightly more Native Spanish speakers. • We will have 2 classes devoted to the program for a total of 48 students • Time: How much time do you spend using/learning each language? • Can be anywhere from 90% in Spanish each day to 50% in both English and Spanish each day. • We will be using a 50%-50% ratio between English and Spanish. We will learn and use both languages every day.
The model North Chatham has chosen… To summarize: • 2 Sections – Two Kindergarten classrooms • Two-Way – Both Kindergarten classrooms will have a mix of Native English and Native Spanish speaking students • 50-50 – Students will learn using English 50% of the day and Spanish 50% of the day • Classrooms will be desiginated as English World – Spanish World • Located on the Kindergarten hall in adjoining classrooms
What to expect? • A 6 year commitment after which time your student will demonstrate a high rate of proficiency in both English and Spanish and likely out perform others in all subjects. • A slower initial rate of learning due to academic demands. It is hard for the first 2 years or so. • A commitment from home. • Students will be assessed in their proficiency in both languages and may be assessed on their subject matter in either language.
What to expect? • Homework may come home in either language • Successful dual language students: • Show independence with daily living skills • Work closely with other students • Move from one activity to another • Enjoy a quick pace to the day • Enjoy language, reading, writing, speaking
What to expect? • Insights from current dual language parents…
Moving Forward • Key Questions: • How do I apply? • Enrollment is entirely optional and will be done by lottery. To get placed in the lottery you need just to complete the application when you register for Kindergarten. • Siblings? • Moving forward siblings will be given preference during admission. • When will I know? • Plan to conduct the lottery the first week of August.
Resources • www.dlenm.org • http://www.nabe.org/research.html • Collier, V. P., & Thomas, W. P. (2009). Educating English Learners for a Transformed World. Albuquerque, NM: Fuente Press • The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Education for AllVirginia P. Collier and Wayne P. Thomas, George Mason UniversityThomas, W. & Collier, V. (2001). A National Study of School Effectiveness for Language Minority Students’ Long-term Academic Achievement. Santa Crux, CA: Center for Research on Education Diversity & Excellence Found free to download at the CREDE. • Lindholm-Leary, K. (2001). Dual Language Education. Multilingual Matters, Ltd. • García, E.E., (2005) Teaching and Learning in Two Languages: Multicultural Education Series. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. Teachers College Press. • http://cehd.gmu.edu/people/faculty/vcollier • www.wida.us • www.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/twi • http://www.thecenterweb.org/