“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.” “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 1. Increase speaking, reading, and writing proficiency for all students in English.

School Composite for Math

School Composite for Reading

Our Journey Here… Why? Academic Learning Goals 1. Increase speaking, reading, and writing proficiency for all students in English. 2. Increase achievement for all students

Our Journey Here… Why? Academic Learning Goals 1. Increase speaking, reading, and writing proficiency for all students in English. 2. Increase achievement for all students 3. Maintain a focus on curriculum A. New Common Core and Essential Standards B. Focus on Thematic, rigorous, relevant instruction

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Our Journey Here Why? Academic Goals Cognitive benefits include increased creativity, problem solving, greater flexibility in thinking. Embracing our diversity 1. Increase cultural awareness A. The program is “additive”. We want to add to what students know, not take anything away. B. Students stay connected to their families and community while building bridges to other communities 2. “Bilingualism opens doors for employment on a global level” 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

Let’s see what it might look like…

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 – 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? 1. 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. 2. A slower initial rate of learning due to academic demands. It is hard for the first 2 years or so. 3. A commitment from home. 4. Students will be assessed in their proficiency in both languages and may be assessed on their subject matter in either language.

What to expect? 5. Homework may come home in either language 6. Successful dual language students: a. Show independence with daily living skills b. Work closely with other students c. Move from one activity to another d. Enjoy a quick pace to the day e. Enjoy language, reading, writing, speaking

What to expect? Insights from current dual language parents…

Moving Forward Key Questions: 1. 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. 2. Siblings? - Moving forward siblings will be given preference during admission. 3. When will I know? - Plan to conduct the lottery the first week of August.

Resources Collier, V. P., & Thomas, W. P. (2009). Educating English Learners for a Transformed World. Albuquerque, NM: Fuente PressEducating English Learners for a Transformed World The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Education for All Virginia P. Collier and Wayne P. Thomas, George Mason University Thomas, 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. The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Education for AllA National Study of School Effectiveness for Language Minority Students’ Long-term Academic Achievement. Lindholm-Leary, K. (2001). Dual Language Education. Multilingual Matters, Ltd.Dual Language Education. García, E.E., (2005) Teaching and Learning in Two Languages: Multicultural Education Series. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, N.Y. Teachers College Press.Teaching and Learning in Two Languages: Multicultural Education Series

Questions?