What is dual language immersion?   What are the goals of Los Puentes?
Dual language immersion is an approach to education that serves both language minority (Spanish) and language majority students (English) in the same classroom. Both English and Spanish are used for academic instruction at certain times during the program. Instruction in the two languages is separated by different days, subjects or teachers.
  • Acquire a high level of proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish.
  • Develop English language skills comparable to non-immersion peers.
  • Create an understanding and appreciation of other cultures, inspiring self-esteem.
  • Instill positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors in all students.
  • Attain academic achievement equal to or exceeding grade level.

How will my children benefit from this program?
  • Develops children who will be more competitive in the global economy and more collaborative in our multicultural society
  • Takes advantage of the optimal window of learning a second language during the primary years
  • Supports families with a cultural, ethnic, or multilingual heritage
  • Produces critical thinkers and problem solvers who can use a communication-rich approach to succeed in the information age
  • Nurtures understanding and cooperation of the many cultures living side by side in Greene County
  • Gives students an edge in high school, college, and the workplace
What is the typical experience for a child upon first entering the dual immersion program?
When children first enter dual language classrooms there is an initial adjustment period - "why is this teacher talking to me in a language I can't understand?!" A combination of fun activities, lots of singing, skillful sign language, and new friends who help build linguistic bridges has children feeling comfortable and competent in the dual immersion environment by the second or third month of Kindergarten.
What are the benefits to an English-speaking child?
Can we expect academic excellence from the program?
Dual language immersion offers these children one of the best opportunities to acquire a second language, to a high degree of proficiency. Students that exit this program will be able to speak, read and write in two languages. Children who learn a language prior to adolescence are more likely to achieve native-like fluency. Other benefits from early second language instruction include improved overall school performance, superior problem-solving skills and a competitive advantage in the future workforce.
Los Puentes teachers will use the state standard curriculum for grade level content instruction so that students are learning the same content as all children in Green County. They are simply learning these core academic subjects in both Spanish and English. Based on the experience of other dual language schools - children emerging from these programs tend to attain higher academic achievement in all subjects.
What are the benefits to a Spanish-speaking child?
What grade levels will be included in Los Puentes?

Spanish speaking children have the opportunity to achieve at a high level of proficiency in a second language (English), as well as maintain their native language and develop it fully. Based on results from other schools, students emerging from dual language immersion perform as well or better on English standardized achievements tests than those enrolled in English only or transitional bilingual programs.

This is supported by research that suggests that children who develop strong oral and literacy skills in their native language are better able to acquire both English and academic content. Also, children with limited English proficiency do not experience an interruption or "watering down" of academic work that could result in retention.

Beginning their schooling in the home language can give native Spanish speaking children the confidence they require to succeed in school. There is also a larger social benefit when the linguistic background of students is not treated as a problem, but as a useful gift that enhances a person's contribution to society.
The program will start with two classes of Kindergarten students (2003-2004 school year) at Snow Hill Primary School. Our objective is to gradually "grow" the program through the upper grades.
When will my child be fluent in both languages?
To develop full written and oral proficiency in the dual immersion classroom takes a full five years. Typically, children absorb the second language for the first two years in dual language classrooms and their listening comprehension exceeds their ability to express the language orally. In first grade children begin reading in both languages. By the middle of second grade children are comfortable speaking in both languages. Children reach full oral and written fluency by fourth or fifth grade.
What if I don't speak Spanish?
Parents do not need to speak Spanish for their children to succeed in the Dual Immersion program. Children have a remarkable ability to acquire a second language when exposed at an early age. The bilingual students in the program are also an important linguistic link, helping students from both language backgrounds. While not required, parents that are able to spend time in the classroom will develop a basic Spanish foundation that will prove helpful.
How will children be selected for Los Puentes?
Parents must submit an application by June 1, 2003. Each application will be stamped to reflect the date and time received. Class composition must include 50% native speakers of Spanish and 50% native speakers of English. Final selection will be based on order of application and the program's need to maintain a balanced class composition. If there are more applicants than openings available, those not selected will be placed on a waiting list according to their application submission date. Waiting list applicants will be contacted in order should places in the program open. Children will be allowed to enter the program thru the first grade.
What are the requirements to be part of Los Puentes?
  • Attend dual language parent orientation meetings (throughout the school year)
  • Agree to a parental involvement contract. This contract will require parents to spend a certain amount of time each month in school-to-home activities
  • A minimum 4-year commitment is required of all families of students who are in the program. It takes several years for a child to become fluent and proficient in a second language.