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About Us/ Sobre nosotros

Elementary School - TK - 6th grade

Escuela Primaria - TK - 6º año

WHAT IS THE TWO-WAY SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAM?                                                                                            

  • The Two-Way Spanish Immersion program at Nestor School is a language-oriented program designed to build fluency in both Spanish and English. Native Spanish and English-speaking children have the opportunity to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both languages.
  • In the Nestor school Two-Way Spanish Immersion program, Spanish is used as the primary language of instruction in the first years. English is introduced gradually into the curriculum. All students receive a high-quality instructional program centered on academic success in both Spanish and English.

 

RESULTS FROM TWO-WAY SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAMS

  • Recent studies indicate that this model is one of the most successful in teaching a second language. This program offers a unique opportunity for English-speaking students to become bilingual and bi-literate in both English and Spanish. English-speaking students acquire Spanish without risk to their academic achievement and English proficiency. Spanish-speaking students acquire English while maintaining their primary language, thereby allowing for higher levels of English language achievement.

 

CURRICULUM

All subjects are taught based on the California Standards

TK, Kindergarten and First Grade

All subjects are taught in Spanish. 30 minutes of daily instruction in English with an emphasis on oral language development through literature, music, poetry, and role-play. Homework is in Spanish.

Second Grade

All subjects are taught in Spanish. 60 minutes of daily instruction in English with continued emphasis on oral language development and the introduction of beginning readiness and literacy skills. Homework is in Spanish.

Third Grade

Most subjects are taught in Spanish. Formal English reading, writing, and spelling are introduced 90 minutes of daily instruction in English with an emphasis on literature and reading. Most homework is in Spanish, with some English homework being introduced.

Fourth Grade

Subjects such as Mathematics, Social Studies, or Science are taught in either Spanish or English. Spanish reading is continued along with 2 hours of daily instruction in English with continued emphasis on literature, reading, and writing. Homework is in both languages.

Fifth and Sixth Grades

Instructional time is evenly divided between Spanish and English. The two languages are used separately during different periods of the day. Homework is in both languages.

Seventh and Eighth Grades

Instructional time is evenly divided between Spanish and English.

INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS

The following are stressed at all grade levels:

  • California Standards
  • Grade Level Curriculum and Objectives
  • District Guidelines
  • A language-rich environment that features both oral and written communication
  • Technology - one-to-one devices in grades 3-6

Student Enrollment

Program participation is voluntary. Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the Two-Way Spanish Immersion program before they decide to enroll their child. It is recommended that English-speaking students enroll in kindergarten or first grade. For the Spanish-speaking student, placement is also recommended in the primary grades. If there is no space available, the student will be placed on a waiting list.

DATA ON TWO-WAY IMMERSION PROGRAMS

  • As of the year 2012, there are over 320 programs in the United States
  • Most operate in Spanish and English
  • Most exist at the elementary level
  • Some programs continue through middle and high school

 

PROGRAM GOALS

By the end of the program students will develop:

  • Bilingualism and Biliteracy
  • Fluency & literacy in both English and Spanish
  • Academic excellence
  • Positive cross-cultural attitudes and self-esteem
  • Technology Skills
 

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

Students who learn a second language benefit in the following ways:

  • Improves academic achievement
  • Enhances communication skills
  • Expands students' multicultural views
  • Provides future career options
  • Learning a second language during childhood is the best time to develop fluency, pronunciation, and a natural ease of expression.