New District 58 biliteracy program excels!
Channel: dg58 youtube
Date: 2014-11-19

To better prepare English Language Learners for success, District 58 opened its first ever biliteracy classroom this year. The class is housed at El Sierra School and serves 11 kindergarteners and nine first graders from across the district.

 The program provides guided instruction using a biliteracy framework. A typical lesson begins with content instruction in Spanish, and then the teacher, Maria Ibarra Lorence, introduces English vocabulary into the discussion. Studies show that this framework well-prepares students for academic success.

 “After we work awhile in Spanish, I put on my Magic Scarf, which signals that it’s time to transition from Spanish learning to biliteracy learning,” Ibarra Lorence says. “During biliteracy learning, we use mostly English. I’ll only use Spanish if the students are stuck.”

 Ibarra Lorence teaches the children catchy songs in English and Spanish to help with word retention and sequencing. She reviews English newspaper stories in Spanish with students. This helps them improve language skills and learn important current events. She also includes an English language goal in each subject.

 “For example, in science class, each student must speak at least one sentence regarding a plant’s life cycle in English. These kids are invested and actively involved in both languages!" Ibarra Lorence explained. 

 When the class works together, Ibarra Lorence mostly uses the first grade curriculum, even though more than half the class is in kindergarten. She believes her students are up for the challenge. However, Ibarra Lorence breaks her students into four “centers of learning” for an hour each day. During this time, they receive guided learning in reading and math at their linguistic and academic level.

 “It’s amazing to seeing how much learning is going on in the classroom. I love visiting the class. The students are so excited and eager to share what they’re doing,” said El Sierra Principal Jason Lynde.

 Lynde added that because it’s a district-wide program, most of its students do not live in El Sierra’s boundaries.

 “We try to recreate the experience of a neighborhood school for the program. Maria has reached out to the families, and we have regular parent volunteers in the classroom,” Lynde said. “It’s been a very good and positive experience.  Parents get a first-hand look at what their children are learning.”
Ibarra Lorence said she appreciates the support she’s received from Lynde and Dr. Matt Rich, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, who helped design the program.

 “Mr. Lynde and Dr. Rich are very receptive to the program; it’s very refreshing! It’s wonderful to work with them,” Ibarra Lorence said.
 
In addition to opening a bi-literacy program, District 58 also added additional supports to its ELL programming. These efforts helped District 58 keep in compliance with state requirements in supporting English Language Learners.