Why Dual Language Immersion Education?
Because language immersion students. .
- develop fluency in two languages: English & Spanish
- learn in an ethnically, culturally and linguistically integrated environment
- enjoy the art, music and literature of other cultures while developing sensitivity toward other people
- work together cooperatively, developing self-esteem and good social interaction skills
- more fully appreciate the rich heritage of our state
- can communicate with people from 22 countries of the world
- may fulfill university language requirements before entering grade six
- can become trilingual in high school
- are provided with unique linguistic and cultural options such as international marketing, second language teaching, social work, publishing, intercultural communication, travel consulting, foreign diplomatic relations, and many more.
Research also shows that childhood is the ideal time to learn a new language and the best time for most people to acquire complete fluency, flawless pronunciation and a natural ease of expression.
Our Program Goals:
- Developing fluency in communication and literacy in two languages, English and Spanish.
- Acquiring knowledge in all academic subjects as outlined in the district guidelines.
- Cultivating understanding and appreciation of other cultures, inspiring self-esteem, and strengthening positive attitudes among students, their families and communities.
- Providing parents the opportunity to become involved in their child’s school experience.
Student’s Academic Achievement
Language Immersion program test data show students who enter such programs at the Kindergarten or First Grade level and stay for several years, meet or exceed established norms for reading, mathematics, and language development in both English and Spanish.
Studies from two-way language immersion programs such as River Glen Elementary in San José, indicate that students score as well or better in all subject areas than students in a non-immersion program.
Entrance Requirements
Enrollment is open to any Pleasanton district student with preference given to
Spanish Speakers and Siblings already enrolled in the program.
Non-Spanish speaking students may enroll in Kindergarten or First grade. Native Spanish speakers may enroll in the program up to the second grade. If entrance is desired after second grade they must test as Fluent English Proficient according to the IPT.
Parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer time in or out of the classroom. A five year minimum commitment to the dual immersion program is required.
Please contact the Valley View Office at 925.426.4231 for registration information.
Curriculum Design
The Two-Way Immersion Program is a rigorous academic program in which the target language (Spanish) is used as the vehicle of instruction, not the focus. Monthly thematic units integrate the curriculum, making the target
language more meaningful to the students and provides the students with enough exposure to practice, use and extend his/her vocabulary.
Teachers engage students in active participation activities requiring responses in the target language. Hands-on classroom projects provide additional opportunities for students to use the target language. Teachers use a reciprocal-interactive approach and cooperative learning techniques to encourage students to interact with one another in the second language.
- Kindergarten 90/10:
All subjects taught in Spanish; 10% weekly of oral English Language Development
- First Grade 90/10:
All subjects taught in Spanish; 10% of instructional time each week is taught in English which includes P.E., Music and 30 minutes of English
Language Development.
- Second Grade 80/20:
Reading, Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Fine Arts taught in Spanish; 20% of instructional time each week is taught in English which includes P.E., Music and 181 minutes of English Language Development.
- Third Grade 70/30:
Reading, Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Fine Arts taught in Spanish; 30% of instructional time each week is taught in English which includes P.E., Music, Science and 339 minutes of formal English instruction in Reading and Language Arts.
- Fourth Grade 60/40:
Literature, Language Arts, Science, Math, Fine Arts taught in Spanish: 40% of instructional time each week is taught in English which includes Music, Science and 497 minutes of formal English instruction in Reading and Language Arts.
- Fifth Grade 50/50:
Literature, Language Arts, Science, Math, Fine Arts taught in Spanish; 50% of instructional time each week is taught in English which includes Music, Science and 655 minutes of formal English instruction in Reading and Language Arts.
Excerpts of this document are from River Glen & Napa Valley Language Academy documentation
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