Choice Programs ~ Dual Language Spanish

  • What is Dual Language?
    Dual Language programs, also known as two-way immersion programs, allows students to develop proficiency in two languages by receiving classroom instruction in English and Spanish. Dual language programs, allows the student’s progress academically while becoming bi-literate and bicultural.

    Goals of the Dual Language Program
    Students become bilingual and bi-literate.
    Students achieve academic excellence in two languages.
    Students develop cultural awareness and sensitivity

    Benefits of the Dual Language Program
    Native Spanish Speakers
    Native English Speakers
    Acquire strong literacy skills in Spanish which can then be applied to the acquisition of English literacy.
    Outperform control students in all-English schools on a variety of English language tests including reading, writing and Math

    Research has shown that students who remain in the dual language program develop greater critical thinking and problem solving skills.
    Students’ sense of self-awareness is enhanced through the exposure to cross-cultural perspectives.
    Students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.

    Research Findings for Dual Language:
    Believe it or not, being bilingual makes you smarter and greatly improves your cognitive skills. Improved memory, improved decision-making skills, better multitasking skills and a better focus on tasks.
    Prevent dementia, bilingual adults with Alzheimer’s take twice as long to develop symptoms as their monolingual &1years old and 75 bilingual
    Denser gray matter: Grey matter is responsible for processing language, storing memory and dictating attention spans.
    Bilinguals have denser grey matter compared to monolinguals

    Dual Language programs satisfy the requirement of mandated bilingual programs for ELLs and is proven to be the most effective model of instruction to close the Achievement gap.

    Why invest the time and effort in learning a Foreign Language ?

    Learning another language at an early age…

    Prepares students for 21st Century employment opportunities.
    Helps students perform at or above grade level in all content areas in both English and Spanish.
    Develops high levels of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages for advanced placement courses in high school.
    Increases cognitive skills and academic abilities that will transfer to overall higher achievement.
    Cultivates a lifelong love for language learning and an appreciation for cultural diversity.

    Importance of Commitment for Parents and students
    Since bilingual proficiency is a long-term commitment and available space for English-speaking students is limited, we ask you to consider carefully whether this is the right decision for your child and family. There are many reasons families choose to participate in the dual language program:
    Multicultural appreciation, benefit of learning a second language at an early age, career opportunities, and ability to develop social skills for life in a multicultural world.
    Parents are the key to the success of any program and each family must consider if a dual language program is right for your child.
    In order to participate in the Dual Language Program at Plumosa School of the Arts, both student and parents must agree to the conditions set forth in the contract and they have to sign while their child is attending Plumosa School of the Arts. Parents MUST be supportive of their child and the program.
    This is a successful program that allows students to learn a second language while they are learning grade level academic content. We will be happy to have you and your child in our Plumosa family.


    Parents who commit to Dual Language understand that …
    Language learning is a process and their child will participate in the program for six years (K- 5).
    Their child will receive 50% of instruction in English and 50% of instruction in Spanish from Kindergarten to Fifth grade.
    Their child will receive literacy instruction in both Spanish and English.
    Their child will develop bilingual (listening and speaking) and bi-literate (reading and writing) competencies.
    As a parent, they will attend the scheduled Dual Language Program parent meetings and workshops, participate in Dual Language events, and support /volunteer during events and in the classroom as much as possible.
    It is important to speak to their child to ensure their motivation and desire to learn in two languages.

    Program Accomplishments and Benefits
    Intellectual: Students with the ability to process information in two languages develop a higher level of thinking skills.
    Educational: Students perform at or above grade level in both languages as demonstrated in district-wide reading assessments and State Assessment Tests. The program promotes future academic success; therefore students will have greater opportunities in a competitive global society.
    Social: Students effectively communicate in both languages demonstrating a high level of language and cultural proficiency.
    Personal: Students maintain self-esteem through the respect and appreciation of their language and culture.

    Dual Language 

    Dual Language programs, also known as two-way immersion programs, allows students to develop proficiency in two languages by receiving classroom instruction in English and Spanish. Research has shown that students who remain in the dual language program develop greater critical thinking and problem solving skills. Dual Language programs allows the student’s progress academically while becoming bi-literate and bi-cultural.

    For more information, please contact:

    Carolyn Rivabella
    Dual Language Coach
    Plumosa School of the Arts
    (561) 330-3924

    What is Dual Language?

    Dual Language programs, also known as two-way immersion programs, allows students to develop proficiency in two languages by receiving classroom instruction in English and Spanish. Dual language programs, allows the student’s progress academically while becoming bi-literate and bicultural.

    Goals of the Dual Language Program

    Students become bilingual and bi-literate. 

    Students achieve academic excellence in two languages.

    Students develop cultural awareness and sensitivity

    Benefits of the Dual Language Program

    Native Spanish Speakers

    Native English Speakers

    Acquire strong literacy skills in Spanish which can then be applied to the acquisition of English literacy.

    Outperform control students in all-English schools on a variety of English language tests including reading, writing and Math

     

    Research has shown that students who remain in the dual language program develop greater critical thinking and problem solving skills. 

    Students’ sense of self-awareness is enhanced through the exposure to cross-cultural perspectives

    Students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors. 

    Research Findings for Dual Language:

    Believe it or not, being bilingual makes you smarter and greatly improves your cognitive skills. Improved memory, improved decision-making skills, better multitasking skills and a better focus on tasks.

     Prevent dementia, bilingual adults with Alzheimer’s take twice as long to develop symptoms as their monolingual 

    Denser gray matter: Grey matter is responsible for processing language,
    storing memory and dictating attention spans.

    Bilinguals have denser grey matter compared to monolinguals

    •Dual Language  programs satisfy the requirement of mandated bilingual programs for ELLs and is proven to be the most effective model of instruction to close the 

    Achievement gap. 

    Importance of Commitment for Parents and students

    Since bilingual proficiency is a long-term commitment and available space for English-speaking students is limited, we ask you to consider carefully whether this is the right decision for your child and family.  There are many reasons families choose to participate in the dual language program:  

    Multicultural appreciation, benefit of learning a second language at an early age, career opportunities, and ability to develop social skills for life in a multicultural world.  

    Parents are the key to the success of any program and each family must consider if a dual language program is right for your child.  

    In order to participate in the Dual Language Program at Plumosa School of the Arts, both student and parents must agree to the conditions set forth in the contract and they have to sign while their child is attending Plumosa School of the Arts. Parents MUST be supportive of their child and the program.

    This is a successful program that allows students to learn a second language while they are learning grade level academic content. We will be happy to have you and your child in our Plumosa family.

    Parents who commit to Dual Language understand that …

    • Language learning is a process and their child will participate in the program for six years (K- 5). 

    • Their child will receive 50% of instruction in English and 50% of instruction in Spanish from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. 

    • Their child will receive literacy instruction in both Spanish and English. 

    • Their child will develop bilingual (listening and speaking) and bi-literate (reading and writing) competencies. 

    • As a parent, they will attend the scheduled Dual Language Program parent meetings and workshops, participate in Dual Language events, and support /volunteer during events and in the classroom as much as possible. 

    • It is important to speak to their child to ensure their motivation and desire to learn in two languages.

    Program Accomplishments and Benefits 

    Intellectual: Students with the ability to process information in two languages develop a higher level of thinking skills. 

    Educational: Students perform at or above grade level in both languages as demonstrated in district-wide reading assessments and State Assessment Tests. The program promotes future academic success; therefore students will have greater opportunities in a competitive global society.

    Social:  Students effectively communicate in both languages demonstrating a high level of language and cultural proficiency. 

    Personal: Students maintain self-esteem through the respect and appreciation of their language and culture.