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.”“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 2010Conversation 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

2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-20110.0%

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90.0%

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LEP

Not LEP

School Composite for Reading

2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-20110.0%

10.0%

20.0%

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50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

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LEP

Not LEP

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 students3. Maintain a focus on curriculum

A. New Common Core and Essential StandardsB. Focus on Thematic, rigorous, relevant

instruction

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Our Journey HereWhy?Academic Goals

Cognitive benefits include increased creativity, problem solving, greater flexibility in thinking.

Embracing our diversity1. 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”

- 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

languageEvery child can be proficient in two languagesEvery 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 classA 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 studentsTime: 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 classroomsTwo-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 WorldLocated 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 language6. Successful dual language students:

a. Show independence with daily living skillsb. Work closely with other studentsc. Move from one activity to anotherd. Enjoy a quick pace to the daye. Enjoy language, reading, writing, speaking

What to expect?Insights from current dual language

parents…

Moving ForwardKey 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.

Resourceswww.dlenm.orghttp://www.nabe.org/research.htmlCollier, 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/vcollierwww.wida.uswww.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/twihttp://www.thecenterweb.org/

Questions?