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Two-way immersion teaching Washoe children 2 languages at once
Page Last Updated: Wednesday November 25, 2009 1:48pm PST
Some students in Kindergarten are put on the fast-track to learning multiple languages.
The two-way immersion program is currently small, but the district is hoping to expand it. Students in Washoe County traditionally don't pick up a second language until they reach middle school.
But some first graders at Jessie Beck Elementary are learning how to speak, read and write in both English and in Spanish.
"The skills they need to learn to read and write are the same," said Teacher Gisela Danial. "They are getting it in the morning and afternoon, in English and Spanish. So when they catch it in one language they are able to transfer to the second language."
The district began the two-way immersion program last year with 12 students from Spanish-speaking homes and 12 students from English-speaking homes. They started in Kindergarten together, and will stay together as they learn both languages through the sixth grade.
Parents say they are amazed at how fast their children are learning the ABCs and days of week. They say some are even learning to read.
"It's been amazing," said parent Destinee Parker. "He comes home from school and is reciting "Brown Bear Brown Bear" in Spanish too us. We thought that was something mid-year he would be at. He knows the whole alphabet. And he is so excited about it. It hasn't stopped him from learning English. He can do just the same things in English as well."
"She came home and she could read some of the Spanish books," said parent Scott Nebesky. "When she started reading English speaking books, she started to really excel and enjoyed reading and exploring. When she left Kindergarten, she was reading at a fourth grade level."
But some parents have concerns that this program is taking away classroom space and money from the other students.
Principal Krissy Brown said the students would be at the school whether or not the program existed.
"Space is always an issue, but 90 percent of the kids in the program are zoned," Brown said.
The other 10 percent started in the zoned area, but moved out, Brown said, adding that school staff are finding ways to save space--like this year--where one classroom is used for both Kindergartners and first graders.
"There are a lot of creative ways around it with team teaching," Brown said. "Other schools we've observed have a half-time Spanish teacher, and a half-time English teacher."
The program's coordinator, Mary Ann Robinson, addressed the funding for the program.
"It's not that costly of a program really when you look at it," Robinson said. "You already have your teacher. You have to pay for the teacher. So it's not an extra teacher. The only thing that is extra...are the text books in the target language, which is Spanish."
Those extra expenses are paid with Title III funds from the federal government, Robinson said, adding that the money is dedicated to English language learners.
While Robinson says she knows some parents believe the program is unfair, the school district is trying to expand the program to more students and schools.
Jessie Beck and Mt. Rose Elementary schools were the "guinea pigs" last year, and now Robinson says Donner Springs has a program.
The one problem Robinson sees is finding bilingual teachers for the different grades.
"We have five principals that would like to start a program tomorrow. So there is a huge need for more programs like this." she said.
And coordinators say the program can go a long way toward preparing the students for the future.
COMMENTS
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Another waste of tax payers paying for the non tax payers. English is what they should be learning. If you don't love it, leave it and go home.
They ARE learning in English. They happen to also be learing Spanish, too. This is NOT a waste of taxpayer money. ALL the children in this program would be attending Jessie Beck REGARDLESS of whether this program exists or not. This is a tremendous opportunity for our children to learn another language. Benefits of dual language learning include positive results in standardized testing, greater cognitive development, better listening skills and memory, development of a sense of cultural openness and appreciation of other cultures,not to mention career opportunities. These children will also be in a better position to acquire additional languages as they get older, opening even more doors of opportunity for their futures. This is NOT an ethnicity or immigration issue - it is a wonderful educational opportunity for the children of this community.
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Home»Community Home»Community Reno»Two-way immersion teaching Washoe children 2 languages at once
ALAN S.
November 25, 2009 8:32am PST
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Why not simply teach English?