Huntington’s Dual Language Program Set to Expand
Planning is well underway for an expansion of the Huntington School District’s dual language program. The School Board unanimously approved extending the program into Washington and Flower Hill schools, effective next September.
Trustees also approved creation of a new Spanish for Native Speakers course for sixth graders “graduating” from the dual language program Woodhull Intermediate School. The new course will be offered for the first time next September.
Huntington’s dual language program was initiated at the kindergarten level at Southdown Primary School in 2002. The following year it expanded to Jefferson Primary School. In 2006, the first cohort moved on to Woodhull Intermediate School. This year there are 10 dual language classes in all, including one per grade level at both Southdown and Jefferson and fourth and fifth grade classes, respectively, at Woodhull.
In creating and organizing the dual language program, Huntington carefully followed guidelines established by the State Education Department’s Office of Bilingual Education. Classes are comprised of a mix of native English and Native Spanish students/speakers. The goal of the program is for both groups to become bilingual and bi-literate by the end of fifth grade.
Huntington students in the district’s dual language program are taught literacy and all content areas in both languages. Instruction is delivered in the language of the day, which alternates daily.
The district encourages parents of dual language program students to learn the second language with their children. Weekly English and Spanish language classes are offered to assist parents with homework as well as to develop conversational skills. A monthly parent meeting is also held by department director Carmen Kasper and program facilitator Glenn Edwards, to share pertinent information regarding dual language issues and to allow parents to ask questions and network with each other.
For more information about the program contact Ms. Kasper at 673-2104 or ckasper@hufsd.edu.
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