Humble ISD Spanish Immersion Program Bear Branch Elementary

Humble ISD Spanish Immersion Program Bear Branch Elementary and Pine Forest Elementary

What is the Spanish Immersion Program? • Spanish is the vehicle for content instruction; it is not the subject of instruction • Total immersion is one program format among several that range on a continuum in terms of time spent in the foreign language

The Humble ISD Total Immersion Model The percentage for each grade will be: • 90% Spanish - 10% English for first grade. • 90% Spanish - 10% English for second grade. • 70% Spanish - 30% English for third grade. • 60% Spanish - 40% English for fourth grade. • 50% Spanish - 50% English for fifth grade.

What is the Immersion Program? A method of foreign language instruction in which the school curriculum is taught through the medium of the target language

The 5 C’s of Language Education

Proficiency Levels Attained for Speaking, as Expected in Extended, Uninterrupted Learning Sequences

Immersion Program Description The Humble ISD Spanish Immersion Program provides a total language experience for pupils whose parents want the advantage of proficiency in English and exposure to a second language. Children learn the second language in a natural way, through everyday classroom conversational situations and through subject content instruction.

Goals The goal of the Humble Spanish Immersion Program is to prepare our students for the future: • by providing a diverse quality education • through the usage of the Spanish language and culture • through teaching proper and responsible use of all available technological tools and resources • encouraging students to explore, create and solve problems in preparation for life-long learning in a global society.

Benefits of Exposure to a Second Language Benefits of second language exposure at an early age? • Positive effect on intellectual growth • Enrich and enhance a child’s mental development • Leave students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening • Improve a child’s understanding of his/her native language • Increase job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset (CAL)

Frequently asked questions Are there any other districts doing Immersion Programs? Yes, Language Immersion is becoming increasingly popular around the country. (CAL) In the United States these programs began in California, in 1971, and Montgomery County, Maryland in 1972. Currently there are similar programs in San Antonio (Alamo Heights) and Dallas (Hurst-Euless Bedford)

Frequently asked questions Does it matter if no one at home speaks the second language? • The program is designed for children of families who do not speak the second language. • Teachers will be aware of this when they send notices to home or assign homework.

Frequently asked questions How can parents help? It is necessary to read in English every night at home to establish a good foundation for English reading and writing skills. Encourage your child by telling him or her how proud you are that he or she is learning a second language.

Frequently Asked Questions • Will transportation be provided from my home campus to PFE or BBE? • No transportation is provided for this program at the elementary level • Can my child attend either Bear Branch or Pine Forest? • Students in the Kingwood area will attend Bear Branch and remain there during the elementary years • Students in Atascocita and other Humble areas will attend Pine Forest and remain there during the elementary years

Frequently asked questions What are some characteristics that makes a child a good candidate for this program? Your child might be a strong candidate if he/she has: • Good development in English oral language • Developed first steps in reading and writing in English • Can recognize all the sounds of the letters in English • Information from the spring administration of the HERSI (Humble ISD Early Reading Screening Inventory) will be used to verify if kindergarten students have met the required literacy benchmarks(DRA text level 6 by May 14) • The child expresses an interest in learning a second language

What about middle school? We currently offer a continuation of Spanish immersion education at Creekwood Middle School through an accelerated Spanish program

How to apply for the Spanish Immersion program • • Registration for immersion students will be from March 1, 2012 to March 30, 2012 at 3: 30 p. m. All applications must be returned to the front office at Bear Branch or Pine Forest Elementary. There is a 5 year commitment to the program If more applications are received than positions available, there will be a lottery to determine actual participation – Kinder students of the hosting school (BBE/PFE) will have preference – Kinder students that reside in (BBE/PFE) will be considered next – The final tier will students that are from out of the BBE/PFE attendance zones You will be notified of your child’s acceptance into the program the last week in May.

¡Gracias por su interés! • Thank you for your interest in the Spanish Immersion Program