Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School

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What is Scott Dual Language Magnet’s Program? 

Scott Dual Language Magnet implements the Gómez and Gómez Dual Language Enrichment Model. The program is intended to provide rigorous dual language instruction at the elementary level. The philosophy of this model is to provide instruction in two languages (English and Spanish) at a “gifted and talented” level of rigor to all students through language immersion, therefore putting students on the path to academic biliteracy. 

Essentials Elements of our Dual Language Model: 

• The Gómez and Gómez Model places a strong emphasis on collaboration between students. Throughout the day, students work in “bilingual pairs” to provide “parallel effort” towards their learning goals. In this way, students negotiate language, learning not only from the teacher, but also from each other. 
• To ensure students not only learn the subject area content at high levels but also language, the Gómez and Gómez model has specific guidelines for highly effective instructional practices, lesson planning, and scheduling a student’s day. 

How is the Model Structured? 

• The dual language program integrates native English speaking students with native Spanish speaking students for academic instruction, which is presented in both languages. Social and academic learning occurs in an environment that values the language and culture of all students and sets high standards to ultimately achieve academic success in Spanish and English.

• Classrooms are composed of approximately 50 percent native English speakers and 50 percent native Spanish speakers. Spaces in the program may be limited in order to ensure the effectiveness of the model.
• A commitment to enriched education for all requires fidelity of implementation that includes challenging, interactive and authentic instruction for all participating students. To support short and long term academic success of all students, the goal is to achieve grade-level bilingualism & biliteracy by the end of 5th grade.
• The language used for instruction is also broken down by a 50/50 ratio. Starting in 2nd grade, 50 percent of classroom instruction is provided in English, and 50 percent of classroom instruction is provided in Spanish. In grades Pre-School to 1st grade, students are instructed only in their Native Language during language arts instruction. Each teacher speaks only in the designated language and communicates using a range of engaging strategies to promote student understanding and language development.  Children at this age are adept at acquiring language in meaningful contexts. All students are taught to read, write, listen, and speak in two languages. 

What are the Expectations for Parents? 

•      As in other education programs, strong home-school connections are essential to the success of dual language programs. There are many things that programs and parents can do to help foster these connections. 

•      We ask that parents show their commitment to ensure their student’s success by

• Committing to the program for the full duration of their child’s elementary schooling ( through 5th grade)
• Encouraging their child to persevere by working with their partners, paying close attention, and trying their best
• Reading with their child for at least 20 minutes each night in the child’s first language at their reading level

Our schools will show our commitment to supporting our dual language families in both languages by:

•      Ensuring that all communications with parents, oral and in writing, are in both languages of instruction, which accomplishes the dual goals of ensuring clear communications with parents and promoting the goals of the program

•      Keeping parents informed about school activities and community events

•      Explaining the importance of conversing and working with their students in the language that they know best

•      Explaining the important role that parents play in literacy development and in supporting learning