Spanish Immersion Elementary Program

Spanish immersion classrooms are self-contained and the targeted class size is 26 students. Program entry level is Kindergarten, and entrance is determined by lottery. A wait list is maintained. Should attrition occur, these lists provide the names of families who will be contacted regarding possible enrollment in the class.

Families new to the district, or those currently enrolled who have students with Spanish literacy skills, may contact the district at any time and request placement on a grade level wait list.

Program Goals:

• Students will develop literacy skills in Spanish
• Students will acquire Spanish communication skills as well as strong structural language skills that enable understanding of new concepts and vocabulary
• Students will develop strong receptive and expressive Spanish language skills
• Students will develop a positive bi-cultural disposition
  
  

Program Overview:

At the elementary level, instruction in literacy, science, and social studies is predominantly in Spanish, while math and writing is in English. Spanish is also infused throughout the day in classroom transitions and conversations and through songs, poetry and Spanish language stories.  In this way, the language becomes not just a vehicle for learning specific content, but helps students develop general listening skills, spontaneous verbal expression, reading and writing skills as well as meaningful daily conversational skills. The rigor will continue to increase as students move on to the upper grades.

Our vision is to establish a district program known for its instructional quality and community enrichment. Our focus is on providing students with the critical structural elements of a second language, the cultural awareness of world citizens, and the skills and ability to engage in multilingual communication throughout their lifetime.

Current Delivery Model (Instructional Minutes/Percentages)

• K = 90%/10%
• 1st = 80%/20%
• 2nd = 70%/30%
• 3rd = 60%/40%
• 4th = 50%/50%
• 5th = 50%/50%

 *Percentages based on core curriculum subject areas (specials not included)

Elementary SI Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment 

• K-5 SI Curriculum Mapping with Educational Excellence (ongoing) 
• Maravillas is our Spanish language arts curriculum 
• K-2 is using the Spanish BAS (Benchmark Assessment System) 
• Grades 2-5 will take the STAMP test (measures reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
• Spanish instruction takes place primarily through Spanish language arts, science, social studies, transitions, and cultural enrichment lessons 
• Spanish intervention programs include Heggerty & Estrellita 
  
  

Spanish Resources 

• Maravillas 
• Science (FOSS)
• Social Studies (HMH)
• Spanish IXL
• BrainPop Español
• EPIC
• Word Their Way
• Spanish Leveled Readers
• Spanish Library Books
• Spanish Scholastic News
• Watch and Learn
• Tumblebooks
• Overdrive
• Health Magazines
• Lectorum (Spanish Book Fair)