WHY SHOULD I ENROLL MY CHILD IN A BILINGUAL PROGRAM? Developing native language skills enhances and accelerates English language development. Benefits of your child retaining his or her native language include: Intellectual Increases your child’s ability to think Educational Enhances knowledge of English structure and vocabulary Personal Contributes to identity and a positive self-concept Social Preserves family and community ties
Hola! How all kids can benefit from a bilingual education New York is the only city in the nation where more than 41 percent of public school students speak one of 184 languages other than English at home. Teaching 159,000 English Language Learners (ELLs) requires innovative and thoughtful language programs. This fall, the Department of Education is opening over 50 new bilingual programs to address the specific needs of ELLs. These programs operate citywide and serve Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Russian, and Spanish speakers. “Designing and creating rigorous programs that meet the specific needs of our English Language Learners is essential for their academic success,” says Angelica Infante, Chief Academic Officer of the Office of English Language Learners at the Department of Education.
Economic Offers a competitive advantage in today’s global economy.
Some new bilingual programs opening this month: P.S. 112 Jose Celso Barbosa in Manhattan is opening the nation’s first Dual Language inclusion program for children with autism spectrum disorders.
M.S. 223 the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology in the Bronx is expanding its Dual Language program to grades 9-12.
P.S. 11 Kathryn Phelan in Queens is expanding its Transitional Bilingual Education program to include the second grade and offering native language support services to English Language Learners in grades 3-6.
For more information on bilingual education, visit NYC. gov and search for English Language Learners or ELL.
Here are some frequently asked questions about bilingual education: Q: What bilingual programs are available? In dual language programs, students receive instruction in English and their native language equally. Native speakers learn alongside English-speaking students. The goal is for all students to become fluent in both languages. In transitional bilingual programs, instruction is provided in the students’ SEPTEMBER 2012 – Expect Success
native language with intensive support in English as a second language. Over time, instruction in English increases and native language instruction decreases.
it doesn’t, you can request a program on the ELL Program Selection Form. You’ll be asked to fill out the form at your school’s parent orientation meeting.
Q: How can I enroll my child in a bilingual program?
Q: How can I get more information about bilingual programs and services?
Start by going to schools.nyc.gov. There, you can find out if your school or a neighboring school offers a bilingual program. If
You can pick up materials in your native language and ask questions about ELL services at the orientation meeting. 7