Bringing together both native English speakers and students still learning the English language, Lynwood Unified this year kicked off its new Dual Immersion Program, starting with kindergarteners at Will Rogers Elementary School. The program will grow year after year, as students move through the sixth-grade, ensuring students can read, write and effectively communicate in both English and Spanish, while achieving a high level of academic success.

“We found it very important to offer our students this unique enrichment program because they have the opportunity to gain new skills and learn a new language all while still being immersed in curriculum that is consistent with the rigorous Common Core State Standards,” said Lynwood Unified Board of Education President Briseida Gonzalez. “These students are gaining the quality education we offer here in Lynwood, but with the added bonus of bilingualism in our ever-growing global economy.”

The program follows a 90:10 model in which 90 percent of instruction is delivered in Spanish and 10 percent is delivered in English. As students progress, the amount of instruction taught in Spanish decreases, with 50 percent of instruction delivered in Spanish by the fifth grade. Half of the students enrolled are native English speakers, while half are native Spanish speakers.

“Research shows that students with dual language skills benefit greatly in terms of their cognitive abilities and academic growth,” said Lynwood Unified Superintendent Paul Gothold. “This was a much-needed program in our community that ensures that our young learners being adequately prepared for a 21st century world, while they learn about the importance of intercultural understanding.”

Like all elementary classrooms throughout Lynwood Unified, students spend a part of their day with small group instruction, rotating between a variety of activities with their peers of similar academic abilities.

“I follow all of the same curriculum as all of the kindergarten programs in Lynwood Unified, except most of the instruction is delivered in Spanish,” said Maricruz Gil, Dual Language Immersion teacher. “It takes courage to go into something so new, but these kids will really benefit long-term by knowing both languages.”

For more information, or to enroll in the District’s Dual Language Immersion Program, please contact Dr. Freda Rossi, Director of Instructional Services, at (310) 886-1600, Ext. 76637 or at frossi@lynwood.k12.ca.us. Lynwood Unified will host informational parent meetings about the program this winter. Specific dates will be made available to the community

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Published: Oct. 9, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 26