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The Dual Language Philosophy |
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The Wharton Elementary Dual Language philosophy promotes both Spanish
and English as languages of equal value. We feel that by placing
importance on both languages we are not only preparing our students
for the multi-lingual, multicultural world we are living in, but they
are also learning the importance and value in respecting other
cultures in our increasingly global society. The Wharton Elementary
Dual Language Program is a school side program beginning in
Kindergarten and going on through 6th Grade. Beginning in
Kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in Spanish while 10% of the
instruction is in English. It is through this concept of "total
immersion" in Spanish that children first begin to acquire the
foundation that will anchor their progress as they start their journey
towards being bilingual and bi-literate students. In 1st grade, 80% of
the instruction is given in Spanish and 20% in English. In 2nd grade,
70% of the instruction is in Spanish and 30% in English. This pattern
continues until the 4th grade where it then becomes and stays 50% in
Spanish and 50% in English. Much research has been done in the area of
Dual Language programs and it shows that once children have become
fully bilingual, they start to outperform their peers academically as
they progress through middle school, high school, and beyond. It is
during the formative years of brain development when our students are
learning two languages that the foundation is laid for future
success.
The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language
Education For All
by Virginia P. Collier and Wayne P. Thomas -
Download(pdf)
Wharton Elementary School-A Model School for the Country (A
Parent's Perspective)
by Terri Blackwood -
Download(pdf)
Texas Monthly magazine story
about the benefits of Dual Language.
Click here to read the article online.
TABE
(Texas Association for Bilingual Education) |
NABE
(National Association for Bilingual Education) |
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For more information about
our Dual Language Magnet Program contact:
Julieta Ortiz - Magnet
Coordinator
713.535.3778 |
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PTO Board Meeting -
Tuesday, December 1st
