Mendon-Upton Spanish Immersion Program
The Mendon-Upton Spanish Immersion Program was established in the district in the fall of 1997. Students begin the program in kindergarten fully immersed in the Spanish language. While learning the core subjects, they simultaneously acquire a second language. English is introduced into classroom instruction in the third grade. By fifth grade students take half their classes in Spanish and half in English. Many Spanish Immersion students continue with the language through high school where courses are specifically designed with the immersion philosophy in mind. Research shows many benefits to being bilingual, from cognitive enhancement to global awareness.
What is language immersion?
Immersion education has been used successfully with English speaking children for more than 20 years. Research shows an impressive development of both second language proficiency and academic achievement by immersion students. Students in Spanish immersion programs are taught the standard elementary school curriculum in the target language rather than English. As a result, they learn to read, write and communicate naturally in two languages – English and Spanish.
Immersion education has been used successfully with English speaking children for more than 20 years. Research shows an impressive development of both second language proficiency and academic achievement by immersion students. Students in Spanish immersion programs are taught the standard elementary school curriculum in the target language rather than English. As a result, they learn to read, write and communicate naturally in two languages – English and Spanish.
SI students have benefited from being grouped together with the same students throughout various years. They become very comfortable with each other, which allows them to take more academic risks. |
Benefits of Bilingual Education
1. Enhances a student’s understanding of how language works and they are able to manipulate language both in thinking and problem solving. They become better communicators overall. 2. Have a greater ability to apply reading strategies effectively as a result of learning to read in two languages; increased vocabulary skills. 3. Students display increased cognitive flexibility, problem solving and executive functioning skills. 4. Expanded worldview, appreciation of people from other cultures, and ability to see their own culture from a new perspective enabling a greater understanding of cultural concepts. Paradowski, Michael. “The Benefits of Multilingualism.” Multilingualliving.com. 1/3/2013 |
Content Instruction in Spanish
In grades K -2, 100% of instruction occurs in Spanish. In grade 3, instruction occurs 80% in Spanish and 20% in English. As the students become increasingly bilingual, the instruction in the Spanish language decreases and instruction in English increases. (Grade 4 - 60% Spanish 40% English, Grades 5-6 - 50% Spanish 50% English, Grades 7-12 Spanish language and culture met through world language offerings) |