Palm Springs Unified School District is once again inviting parents of young children to learn more about the district’s dual immersion program, including the onsite program available locally at Vista Del Monte Elementary School.
How it works: Students in Transitional Kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible for the program, which places children in classes with native Spanish speakers and native English speakers.
- In the first three years, classes are taught about 85% in Spanish. That number decreases over time until the ratio is 50-50 in fifth grade.
Why it matters: Research shows that speaking more than one language makes people smarter. It also benefits students once they enter the job market and brings students closer to their culture.
- From birth to the age of 8 is considered the prime age for learning a second language, marking the importance of early education in another language.
Zoom out: There has been a recent explosion in the number of dual immersion programs in the country, increasing from about 1,000 programs in 2010 to more than 3,600 programs by 2021.
Context: The recent increase comes after years of backlash against speaking another language in schools. Many Spanish speakers, for example, recall teachers punishing them for speaking their native language in school.
- In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 227, which required students learning English to be taught in English immersion classrooms. That law has since been replaced by Proposition 58 in 2016, which gives schools more control over dual language programs.
Details: There will be several information nights for parents over the next few months. The next one is planned for April 17 at 5 p.m. at Bella Vista Elementary School. Check out this flyer for more dates and more information.
