Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion Program

Grades K-5

Mano-a-Mano is a Spanish-English dual language immersion program that began in September, 1999. This program provides a structure for children from differing linguistic and cultural backgrounds to learn together. Students learn all subject matter in both languages, based on a modified 50/50 model – 50% of the time in Spanish and 50% of the time in English

There are three goals: academic excellence at or above grade level; high levels of language proficiency in English and Spanish; and positive cross-cultural attitudes.

Each integrated class will be comprised of approximately 25 students – half of which will be native English-speakers and half Spanish-speakers. There are two teachers per grade. They work closely together in a co-teaching model – planning and coordinating their instruction. A teacher proficient in Spanish will teach in one classroom and another proficient in English will teach in the other classroom. All students will be instructed by both teachers. The language of instruction will change but the content will not be repeated. Students are integrated for all subject matter except for the formalized language arts program in the native language.
 

Second language acquisition occurs in a natural way – while the students socialize and learn from one another.

Students will be held to the same academic, curricular standards as other Norwalk students. The formalized language arts program will be taught in a whole and small group setting in the native language. Students explore literature and reach for high levels of comprehension. It is anticipated, based on research and existing practices in dual language programs, that the formalized language arts instruction in the second language will begin in the second semester of second grade, at the earliest. All other academic areas will progress fluidly based on existing scope and sequences.

Teachers will emphasize a hands-on, cooperative, and natural approach to learning. They will plan and execute integrated lessons with a strong basis in second language acquisition to provide all students with opportunities for success.  Small-group work and mini-lessons in second language acquisition will also be incorporated.

A thematic approach to learning provides a framework to link the alternating languages. Students also have the opportunity to work in cooperative groups, in small groups and individually.

The writing process approach (planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing) is developed during language arts instruction. The final product may be published in book form, displayed in the room or school, or performed for others.

Math instruction is delivered through a hands-on approach. Math manipulatives are used in a cooperative setting.

A positive image will be emphasized for out program students. They will have opportunities to interact with the children in the rest of the school.

Initially, children will be permitted to respond to the teacher in whatever language they choose. The goal is to work towards complete participation in the target language. Students are assigned "buddies" in the second language – thus each child is in the position of being a language facilitator.

The children’s progress will be monitored by the classroom teachers, the resource staff, and the project coordinator. An outside evaluator will assess the success of the program on a annual basis.

Mano-a-Mano is open to Silvermine School district families who are interested in applying. A selection process will be implemented. Preference will be given only to siblings of students already enrolled in the program and who still live in the Silvermine School district, and to eligible bilingual program students who by law are entitled to the program.

Our volunteer Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is an important vehicle for fostering parent involvement and two-way communication in the Mano-a-Mano Program. Spanish- and English-as-a-Second-Language classed are offered on a regular basis. Periodic workshops are offered on relevant topics.

Silvermine School was awarded a federal Title VII grant in the spring of 2000 – approximately $1,000,000.00 over the five years. This fund assists our school in achieving the three major goals as specified in the grant: 1. total school reform through staff development in the areas of technology, curriculum alignment, literacy, second language acquisition, and Action Research; 2. increased academic achievement for English language learners through the implementation of a dual-language program; and 3. increased levels of parent involvement for Hispanic parents.

"This program will produce many great leaders and professionals. The program has fostered a different way of looking at things through the mixture of different cultures and, therefore, increases the learning potential."

"The nicest thing is that the children help each other and they aren’t separated by language. They are all equal."

"My child explains everything to me in two languages. Now he can communicate with his grandparents. We are very happy with the program."

"I speak a lot in Spanish and I am learning English."

"I like playing with my friends and having new language."

"Activities in English and Spanish are fun for me!"

"You should become bilingual like us!"

In the 1998-1999 school year, a broad-based committee of volunteers representing educators, parents, and the community was convened to explore the possibility of implementing a Spanish/English dual language program in the Norwalk Public School system as an alternative and innovative bilingual education program. After six months of hard work, the committee made a presentation to the Board of Education. They recommended that a program be implemented at Silvermine School the following school year and continue through the fifth grade, phasing out the transitional bilingual program over a period of six years.