Fort Worth ISD launches Spanish immersion program

by PegNews wire

The Fort Worth ISD is launching a Spanish Immersion Program for interested incoming kindergarten and first grade students. The program will begin with classes entering in Fall 2009.

This intense language program will be offered at two locations with the District: Burton Hill Elementary School and Morningside Elementary School. These sites were chosen because they are located in opposite sides of the city enabling a rich, diverse student population to be served. These sites also have the space needed for sustainability and growth.

Unique characteristics of the Spanish Immersion Program:

• In primary grades, the curriculum is taught through the language of Spanish for 80-90% of the school day;
• Students learn the content and simultaneously gain knowledge of the language;
• The amount of English is gradually increased until English and Spanish are each used 50% of the time, usually starting in third grade;
• Knowledge and skills are taught in one language and reinforced in the other language through thematic teaching and attention to cross-linguistic development;
• Approximately 50% of the students are English speakers and 50% are English Language Learners.

Additional information regarding the Spanish Immersion Program is available on the District Web site at www.fwisd.org.

Source: FWISD