Dual Immersion Program Blaine County School District Parent Information 2017
What is Dual Immersion? Dual Immersion is a distinctive form of immersion education in which equal numbers of native English speakers and native Spanish speakers are taught both languages and content. Both groups of students serve in the role of language model and language learner at different times. At each grade level the structure of the program varies, but all provide at least 50% of instruction in the partner language beginning in Kindergarten.
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Blaine County Dual Immersion Program Instructional Time and Course Description by Language Grade Level
K-5
English
Spanish
Alturas Elementary – 50:50 Model Around half of the total instruction time in the core subjects is presented in English and half is presented in Spanish. All “specials” )music, gym, art, PE, etc.( are conducted in English. Hemingway Elementary – 80:20 Model 80% of the instruction in Kindergarten occurs in Spanish. 20% of the classroom time plus “specials” takes place in English. The percentages will shift each grade level until they reach 50:50.
6-8
English Language Arts Math Science Technology Arts PE
Spanish as a World Language* Bilingual Humanities )Social Studies(
9-12
English Language Arts Math Science Electives
Spanish as a World Language* Bilingual Humanities Courses )Social Studies( & Electives
* Spanish as a World Language placement based on student performance on Spanish proficiency assessment in Spring of prior year.
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Benefits of Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program n
Offers equal access to education
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Raises self-esteem for all children
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Better prepares students to meet the challenges of a global society: academically, linguistically and socially
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Promotes increased cognition, such as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
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Supports academic achievement
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Provides the added value of being functionally literate in two languages
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Develops an appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures
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Increases parent and community involvement
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Goals of our Dual Immersion Program n
High levels of proficiency and literacy in students first language
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High levels of proficiency and literacy in students second language
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High academic achievement at each grade level in both languages
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Positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors
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Language Development n
4 Domains of Language: n Reading, n Writing, n Speaking, n Listening
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ACTFL Proficiency Levels )AAPPL(
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Dual Immersion Language Benchmarks Grade
Language Benchmark )ACTFL aligned(
Kindergarten
Novice Low
1st – 2nd Grade
Novice Mid
3rd Grade
Novice High
4th Grade
Intermediate Low
5th Grade
Intermediate Mid
Spanish Year 4
Intermediate Mid
Spanish Years 5 & 6
Intermediate High
Spanish Year 7
Intermediate High/Advanced Low
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Intermediate High/Advanced Low 3 or greater on AP Exam
Students who achieve the above benchmarks - will have the opportunity to apply their language skills by obtaining a Court Interpretation Certification and/or college CLEP exam for University credits.
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Parent Commitment n
DI is a challenge and requires a commitment on the part of the student and parents.
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Parental involvement in the student’s education is a great indicator of student success— especially in DI.
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Remember, your child will be learning content and processing information in TWO languages!
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Research shows that students in well-implemented DI programs are on par with or surpass their non-immersion peers by 5th or 6th grade.
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If you feel your child is struggling more than the average student, the teachers and school will work with you on improvement strategies and support services.
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Support from home n
Use your MOST proficient language!
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Read to your child every day in English OR Spanish )at least 20 minutes(
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Listen to your child read and tell stories )even if you don’t speak the language(
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Talk with your child! )at home, on outings, at the grocery store, etc.
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DI is a great opportunity that provides cognitive and academic enrichment for students.
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Early language learning provides many long-lasting benefits that the students will carry with them well after graduation.
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Important Dates: Kindergarten Registration: Wednesday, April 5th Lottery: Wednesday, April 12th First day of school: Monday, August 29th