Dual Language Program Parent Orientation New Caney ISD Robert Crippen Elementary August 12, 2015

What is Dual Language? Enrichment program Academic courses are taught in Spanish and English TEKS required by the State of Texas are taught concurrently in both English and Spanish Spanish is not taught as a separate class

New Caney ISD 50:50 Dual Language Program Curriculum is delivered through two languages, not by translation.

NCISD Dual Language Goals All students will acquire a second language while maintaining their native language. All students will have high academic achievement at or above grade level. All students will develop positive cross cultural attitudes. Partnerships among parents, teachers, and administration will create bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students.

Program design 50:50 Model

Program design Two-Way Dual Language Program If accepted, your child will participate in a TWDL program Native Spanish speaking students and Native English speaking students will learn together academic content while developing a second language.

Non-Negotiables Commitment of at least 6 years 50:50 Model Strategic separation of languages (no translation allowed) Simultaneous literacy development [Working toward this goal 2:3 for all campuses]

National Data - Remedial v. Enrichment Models Long-Term Academic Achievement- TWDL Average English Reading Performance Average English Reading Performance - English Speakers NCE Note: Program Implementation through 5th Grade only (Thomas & Collier, 2009)

Is it a good choice for my child and family? How important is it for my child to receive high grades in all subjects? Will my child be involved in organized sports as this will impact homework time? Is being on time and good attendance a priority?

Is Dual Language for me? Dual Language is a team effort. Parents must be willing to spend time on homework, reading in English and Spanish, and encouragement. Parents who help their child learn English will see more success in Spanish.

Grading concerns Because DL students are learning content and language at the same time, teachers use linguistically differentiated assessment or accommodations to measure the acquisition of academic knowledge and skills in students’ second language. Not always first- and second-language grades will match. However, grades should not vary greatly. For more information: 2015 -2016 Elementary Dual Language Program Grading Guidelines (NCISD Parent/Student Handbook & Student Code of Conduct)

I don’t speak Spanish! How will I help my child with homework? HW will be in English and Spanish. The purpose and directions for the assigments will be clearly communicated in English and Spanish. In class, teachers will explain HW in a way that students will complete the assigments independently and succesfully at home. No new concepts will be included in HW assigments

My child doesn’t speak Spanish! How will he/she understand? Initially, students will not understand what is being said, but the teachers use many visual supports, and body language to help the students understand and gain meaning.

Will my child struggle? Maybe yes! Learning a second language is a rewarding but it is a difficult process. Parents must be involved and committed to supporting their children by encouraging them. Support as needed is also provided in the classroom or pull out groups.

Will this be difficult for the parents? Parents also will feel frustrated and inadequate at times. You must look at the “big picture,” and realize that it will get better. The rewards of dual language are worth the effort!!

Will my child be frustrated? Yes. At times! Your child may cry, feel lost and frustrated. You may also feel this way from time to time. Emotional support for children is critical.

Will my child have friends? Of course! Your child will make friends. This is a concern some parents have. Children always will find ways to communicate.

How long will my child be in the dual language program? NCISD dual language program is available to K-5 students, and it is being expanded in 6th-12th grades. Research indicates that it takes 5-7 years to learn a second language. Commitment to the program is crucial in ensuring your child is successful in becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.

What are the benefits? Has a positive effect on intellectual growth and enriches and enhances a child's mental development Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language Gives a child the ability to communicate with people s/he would otherwise not have the chance to know Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

Commitment Decide if the dual language is appropriate for your child. Enrollment will be based on how many spaces are available in each school. If the number of student applicants is greater than the number of spaces available, we will hold a lottery to determine admission. You will then be notified of your child's placement.

Contact Information Dr. Pascual Yacovodonato NCISD Director of Bilingual Services <p.yacovodonato@newcaneyisd.org> Crystal Mayes Principal cmayes@newcaneyisd.org Daniela Blair ELL Specialist dblair@newcaneyisd.org dblair@newcaneyisd.org Mayra Andrade Dual Language Team Leader mandrade@newcaneyisd.org

Questions