- Stetson Elementary School
- OWL Dual Language Immersion
OWL Language Immersion
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OWL: Dual Language Immersion
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What is Dual Language Immersion:
Dual language education is an educational program for developing language and content in two languages while students develop sociocultural competence.
The three pillars, or goals, of dual language education are the promotion of
- bilingualism and biliteracy,
- grade-level academic achievement in both languages, and
- sociocultural competence.
Students maintain their first language while adding a second language, and they develop pride in their own language and culture while developing an understanding of the cultures and traditions of others. The program at Stetson Elementary will be a Spanish/English program that utilizes the 80:20 immersion model. This means that students will learn academic standards in the target language in Kindergarten and 1st grade for 80% of classroom instruction, with the 20% of English instruction focused on literacy skills that are unique to English (such as specific phonetic sounds and oral language.)
Why should I enroll my student?
- Students achieve high levels of proficiency in both English and Spanish.
- After time, students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English.
- Students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and stronger problem-solving skills as well as an enhanced understanding of their own language.
- Students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures; a global skill needed for the 21st century.
- Students will be on a path to earning the Seal of Biliteracy, which is evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admission offices, as well as the possibility of earning college credit before graduating.
Expectations for a parent of a student in Dual Language Immersion:
- Like playing an instrument or a sport, language acquisition takes several years to develop.
- Requires a commitment from parents and students because proficiency in two languages requires extensive exposure to both languages.
- Must attend one information meeting prior to lottery.
- Required Volunteer hours from each family.
- Lottery process/limited seats available. Special population consideration.
Preference categories: Due to funding sources for this opportunity, requirements of home language and military connection will be considered in the lottery drawing. Maintaining percentages of Spanish/English home language students, as well as military-connected students is essential for this program. See Lottery Information below.
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The Grant
U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Awarded District 49 its fifth grant in seven years. Operation World Language (OWL) is a two-million-dollar grant that aims to increase the availability and use of world language instruction in order to support academic success and post-graduation opportunities in District 49.
To accomplish this goal, D49 will bring a Spanish Dual Language Immersion program to be housed at Stetson Elementary School. Research has shown that children who are bilingual and biliterate do better academically than their peers who speak only their native language. Professional development is incorporated to ensure that the hired teachers are fluent and comfortable with the selected curriculum. To truly serve the needs of our community, multiple language offerings are the long-term goal for sustainability, after the successful implementation of Spanish, through collaboration with our stakeholders.
It is imperative that once students have acquired the skill of a second language, that skill must be fostered in a rigorous manner. To combat potential learning loss, secondary students, housed within Horizon Middle School, will have the opportunity to continue World Language learning through multiple discipline classes being offered in that target language. This new opportunity promotes the development of biliterate students through the incorporation of World Language across educational content areas. Activity partnerships with University of Colorado, Colorado Springs will support World Language use in specific career fields. Additionally, the project adds professional development support to secondary teachers that currently teach World Language. Secondary students will then be encouraged to work towards a Seal of Biliteracy, through advanced assessments and application of the target language, which will increase their opportunities post-graduation.
DoDEA’s vision of “Excellence in education for every student, every day, everywhere” is realized through this partnership with public school districts, and District 49 is thrilled to continue this amazing partnership with them.
In a survey of our community in April of 2021, the interest was through the roof. Out of the almost 600 responses, 86 percent showed some level of interest in a dual-language program in D49, with 74 percent being either very interested or extremely interested. We are super excited to finally be able to offer this highly needed and desired program in District 49.
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OWL-DLI Vision
Operation World Language will create a collaborative community of excellence that provides a clear pathway for students to become biliterate citizens, develop a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, and acquire the skills necessary for success in today's interconnected world.
OWL-DLI Mission
Through thoughtful planning, collaboration, engagement, and reflection, Operation World Language will create students who demonstrate success in two or more languages, honor all cultures, and deepen sociocultural competence, creating a biliterate and globally-minded community of learners.