Are there prerequisites for the Dual Language Immersion program?
No. All students are eligible for the Dual Language Immersion program, however, Avon Grove School District is dedicated to a 50-50 model of English speaking students and Native or Heritage Spanish speaking students. As with all classes, gender, academic/behavioral needs are balanced in each room. Class size is dictated by Board Policy 126.
How do I register my student for the Dual Language Immersion program?
Interest in the Dual Language Immersion program can be noted as part of the registration process on Power School Enrollment online or at your appointment with the registration staff. Families must indicate interest during the registration process to be entered into the lottery.
When will I know the results of the lottery?
Penn London will conduct their lottery before the end of the school year for next year’s students. Caregivers will be called to confirm participation in the program.
Are there additional opportunities for my student to join the Dual Language Immersion program after the kindergarten lottery?
Yes. Additional spots are added in first grade as well as if a student moves out of the program. Only students with experience in English and Spanish will be considered for the program after first grade.
Can my other children join the Dual Language Immersion program?
Younger siblings entering kindergarten will receive preference for a spot in the Dual Language Immersion program.
Which classes will be taught in English or Spanish?
Kindergarten- second grade have the following language allocation for courses:
English- English Language Arts (reading and writing in English), encore, lunch and recess
Spanish- Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish Language Arts (reading and writing in Spanish)
As students progress through the grades, the language allocation will alternate between English and Spanish by day and at the secondary level, by course.
Will my student have more than one teacher?
Yes! Students will have one teacher who teaches in English and one teacher who teaches in Spanish. Students will see the teachers based on the rollercoaster schedule.
What is a rollercoaster schedule?
A rollercoaster schedule is a two day rotation, when students begin and end their day with a different language. For example:
Day 1- Spanish AM, English PM
Day 2- English AM, Spanish PM
This rollercoaster schedule allows students to balance beginning or ending their day in their non-dominant language. Research shows that this type of schedule builds stamina as well as allows for additional classes to be offered.
What if the Dual Language Immersion program is not a good fit for my student? Can they withdraw?
We do ask for caregivers and students to make a long term commitment to the Dual Language Immersion program, as language acquisition is a multi-year process. Biliteracy and bilingualism are not expected right away!
That being said, we want what is best for students, so if the program is not a good fit, teachers, administrators and caregivers should meet and create a plan to best support the success of the learner.
My student already speaks Spanish. Why would we register them for this program?
Native and Heritage Spanish speaking students benefit greatly from this program, as it cultivates biliteracy (reading and writing) and bilingualism (speaking and listening) in addition to celebrating hispanic heritage! Students who are literate in their first language are able to transfer those skills to a second language more fluidly, experiencing more success in school and beyond!
How can I help my student in a language I do not speak or read?
Don’t worry if you do not speak, read and write in both English and Spanish! Our online resources are easily accessible in both languages and there will be family fun nights that include practice on skills that are taught throughout the year.
Please read, write and speak to your child in whichever language is shared in your family. Students will continue to strengthen their understanding of language at home and in school with repeated practice.
How will I know if my student is progressing if I do not speak the other language?
Language takes years to learn and it is okay if you don’t hear your student using the non-native language at home. Students enrolled in English Language Development (ELD) are assessed annually using the ACCESS for ELs 2.0. Native English speakers and students who are not in the ELD program will not receive a language assessment until they reach the upper elementary grades.
All grades are based on skills that students have acquired in their classes and as a future ready learner but language is informally assessed in all grades. Updates on student progress will be shared during conferences.
Will my student stay with the same group of students throughout their educational career?
Yes, the cohort of students will progress through the grades together. Homeroom assignments will vary year to year but the cohort of students will remain the same.
