From Research to Reality: How to Start an Elementary World Language Program in Your District

1. From Research to Reality:How to Start an Elementary World Language Program in Your District Mandy Madderom Heather Lawnicki Waunakee Community School District

2. Overview • Types of elementary language programs • The Waunakee Example • Ready: The Proposal • Set: Program Development and Support • Go: Curriculum and Implementation

3. Program Planning Checklist 1. Hold district-wide planning meetings 2. Complete mission statement, program philosophy 3. Select program model and goals 4. Select language 5. Develop budget Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola

4. Program Planning Checklist 6. Develop curriculum 7. Plan articulation with 6-12 program 8. Plan for evaluation of program 9. Design public relations activities 10. Disseminate program information Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola

5. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Elementary Language Programs • Total Immersion: All instruction takes place in the target language. • Two-Way Immersion: At least half of the learning time is spent in the target language. • Partial Immersion: Up to half of the learning time is in the target language. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

6. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Elementary Language Programs • Content-Based FLES: Proficiency focused language instruction integrated into content area. • FLES: A minimum of 75 minutes per week with a listening and speaking focus. • FLEX: Classes are usually conducted in English as an introduction to the foreign language and culture. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

7. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Waunakee Example • Content-Based FLES: Students learn Social Studies concepts while developing proficiency in the target language. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

8. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Waunakee Example • Started in 1st and 2nd grade in 2006-2007 • Expanded to 3rd grade last year, 4th grade this year, until full implementation through 6th grade • Meet 3x/week, for 30 minute class periods at all grade levels • Classroom teacher’s presence is not required Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

9. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Waunakee Example • District conducted a study of the entire world language program in 2000-01. • Area of concern • High percentage of students enrolled in the MS world language program (Spanish) take Level 1 Spanish again at the high school. • Began study of an elementary world language program. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

10. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Process • Formed an Ad Hoc Committee in Fall 2004: • classroom teachers • world language teachers • principals • administrators • parents • world language consultants (DPI and UW) • school board members Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

11. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Process • Gathered information • research • contacted other successful elementary programs • developed rationale for elementary world language program • Visited sites • Menasha • Appleton • Kettle Moraine Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

12. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Process • Sent out parent survey to all elementary families in Winter 2005 • Developed a proposal to present to the full school board in Fall 2005, including: • a budget • potential schedule • space usage Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

13. Parent Survey • Questions we asked: • Do you think a language other than English should be taught at the elementary level? • What do you see as the benefits of early lang. learning? • Should the district offer the same language at all elementary schools? • What language should be offered? • Should the study of a language be required? • Is a language other than English spoken at home? • Have you traveled or lived in another country where your native language was not spoken? • Have you studied a world language?

14. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Proposal • Made a recommendation to implement an elementary world language program in Waunakee • Recommendation included a FLES program, integrating social studies and/or science into the language instruction, so nothing is “added to” a student’s already busy schedule Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

15. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Proposal • Spanish was proposed as the required language for all three elementary schools; parent survey strongly suggested Spanish • French should be introduced at the 6th grade level in a semester long course • Elementary World Language teacher should have a strong elementary teaching background and fluency in the language Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

16. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Proposal • District would explore K-12 scope and sequence so students are able to attain a high level of fluency • An inter-disciplinary approach should be implemented (science or social studies) • Program should be annually assessed Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

17. Program Planning Checklist 1. Hold district-wide planning meetings 2. Complete mission statement, program philosophy 3. Select program model and goals 4. Select language 5. Develop budget Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

18. Program Planning Checklist 6. Develop curriculum 7. Plan articulation with 6-12 program 8. Plan for evaluation of program 9. Design public relations activities 10. Disseminate program information Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

19. How to Gain Support • Parent survey • Establish a well-rounded committee (advocates of the program, but also skeptics) • Research! • ERIC Digest (www.eric.ed.gov/) • Center for Applied Linguistics (www.cal.org) • Ñandutí (www.cal.org/earlylang/) Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

20. How to Gain Support • Hold informational sessions for parents and grade level teachers. • Invite community leaders and school board members frequently to visit and observe classes. • Develop a financial plan including staffing needs and resources. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

21. How to Gain Support • Include grade level teachers in curricular planning. • Teacher investment in world language is crucial. • Grade level teachers are share holders in this project. • Seek their input. • Make your program a help not a hindrance. • Share curriculum with grade level teachers before you start teaching. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

22. Beginning the Program • Start slowly: Plan lessons that are inviting to your students and colleagues. • Explain how the class will run. A new immersion experience could be overwhelming. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

23. Beginning the Program • Establish a routine. • An initial routine prepares students to “switch” languages. • Students build confidence when they can predict what will happen next. • Beginning class with a routine also allows teachers to prepare for the upcoming class. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

24. Beginning the Program • Expect a little tension. Change is difficult. • Allow students time to accept the new challenge. • Explain your content to grade level teachers. • Consider a weekly e-mail. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

25. Beginning the Program • Manage expectations. • Provide information on language proficiency. • Use documented examples of what is normal for your type of program. • Expect visitors • Your program is new and exciting! Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

26. Planning the Curriculum Grade by Grade

27. Program Planning Elementary Language Programs Gaining Support Waunakee: The Proposal Beginning the Program Grade Level Curriculum • Each grade level is centered on the content standards for Social Studies. • Each grade level has a focus country. Planning

28. Program Planning Elementary Language Programs Gaining Support Waunakee: The Proposal Beginning the Program Unit Plans • Concepts • Language Focus • Key Structures and Vocabulary Planning

29. FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM UNIT: Waunakee Community School District UNIT THEME: Where I Live and Where I Go to School: My School Days TIMELINE: 9 days

30. Program Planning Elementary Language Programs Gaining Support Waunakee: The Proposal Beginning the Program Lesson Plans • Activities • Assessments • Materials • Standards Planning

32. Questions?