LEGADO SPANISH IMMERSION ACADEMY
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Legado Flyer (English)
Legado Flyer (Spanish)
Legado Spanish Immersion Academy Application (English Version)
Solicitud de Legado Spanish Immersion Academy (versión en español)
About Legado
BCSC started a new two-way immersion pathway during the 2018-19 in Pre-K and kindergarten. This year Legado is offered in Pre-K, kindergarten, first grade and second grade. The pathway is optional and is located at Clifty Creek Elementary and a student can begin in Pre-K and/or Kindergarten.
Families are invited to apply to attend the Legado Spanish Immersion Academy. Students accepted into Legado Spanish Immersion Academy will have the unique opportunity to study the BCSC curriculum in both Spanish and English, ultimately graduating with a Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency from the state of Indiana.
Legado is creating a Legacy of Global Opportunities. Give your child the GIFT OF A BILINGUAL EDUCATION! The application process for the 2021-22 school year will open December 1, 2020. The selection process will take place the week of February 1, 2021.
Please contact Principal Michael Parsons at 812-376-4342 or parsonsm@bcsc.k12.in.us for more information.
Legado Information
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What is Two-Way Immersion?
What is Two-Way Immersion?
Two-way immersion, also referred to as dual language immersion, uses two languages for instruction. It is the best educational model to produce graduates who can speak in two languages, as well as read and write at or above grade level in both Spanish and English.
The program is known as “two-way” because some of the participating students are learning English for the first time, while others are learning Spanish. It is called “immersion” because for part of the day, students are completely immersed in one or other of the target languages for all instruction and interactions in the classroom. -
Pathway Model Information
Pathway Model
Our pathway is based upon research showing that students are not only capable of learning in two languages at once, but actually excel under these conditions. In Legado Spanish Immersion Academy, Clifty Creek Elementary adopted an 80/20 ‘two-way’ immersion language model of instruction. This means that 80% of the instruction in Pre-k and Kindergarten is in Spanish while 20% is in English.
Each year the instruction in English increases, leading to a balance of teaching 50% of the day in English and 50% of the day in Spanish by fourth grade. Classrooms are made up of approximately 50% Spanish-speaking student and 50% non-Spanish-speaking students to facilitate language acquisition.
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Pathway Features
Pathway Features
- Students learn to read and write in both languages. Reading and writing are taught in Spanish in the primary grades. As students reach 3rd grade level reading and writing proficiency, formal literacy instruction in English begins. Many students self-transition to English reading and writing before this time.
- Families must choose to be in the program. Students need the full support of their families to succeed. Their family does not have to be bilingual in order for the student to succeed and become bilingual and bi-literate.
- Languages are not taught as in a Spanish or French class. Instead, students are immersed in each language and study the same subjects as all students at the school.
- The teacher does not translate for the students. Children have a natural language-learning capacity, and using a second language to learn interesting things at school is a natural way to pick up that language.
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Parent Participation
Parent Participation and Commitment
Enrollment in our pathway is by choice. To ensure achievement and success for the students it is necessary for families to commit to the pathway. Active parent support is extremely important to the long-term success of our two-way immersion pathway and to the success of your child. We expect all students, families and teachers to work together to ensure success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Two-Way Immersion (TWI) pathway?
A: A TWI pathway is a form of Dual language, specifically two-way immersion programs, are designed for students, native and non-native speakers of Spanish, to learn two languages; one language does not replace the other. It is the best educational model to produce graduates who can speak in two languages, as well as read and write at or above grade level in both Spanish and English. The program is known as "two-way" because some of the participating students are learning English for the first time, while others are learning Spanish. It is called "immersion" because for part of the day, students are immersed in the target language for all instruction and interactions in the classroom.
Q: How do I apply for my child to participate in the TWI pathway?
A: The application will be available on BCSC’s homepage at https://www.bcsc.k12.in.us/ starting in December.
Q: Does the TWI pathway span grades Pre-K - 12?
A: Yes, the TWI pathway will span from Pre-K - 6th grade. Once students reach middle school the continuation of the program is referred to as the Global Studies Pathway, located at Northside Middle School. Students will have opportunities to take additional classes during high school to receive the Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency on their high school diploma.
Q: How is the selection process determined for the TWI pathway?
A: The selection process will be carried out as follows: Students will be divided into two groups: native Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers. This group may include students of Hispanic descent who are primarily English speakers and students whose native language is other than English or Spanish. Selection from each of the groups will be made until 50% of the class roster is comprised of native Spanish speaking students and 50% of the class roster is comprised of non-Spanish speakers.
Q: Does a student have to apply for the TWI pathway if a sibling is already in it?
A: Yes, however siblings will be given priority consideration. An application for each child must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered for the pathway.
Q: Can I apply for the TWI pathway if I don’t live in the Clifty Creek Elementary School district?
A: Yes, the application process is open to all BCSC families.
Q: Can I apply for the TWI pathway if I don’t live in the BCSC boundaries?
A: Yes, consideration will be given to all applicants, but BCSC families will be given first consideration.
Q: What are the parent/guardians requirements for my child to be part of the TWI pathway?
A: Parents/Guardians of students accepted into the pathway are required to attend an orientation meeting further describing the pathway model and providing question/answer sessions. Students whose parents do not attend an orientation meeting will not be enrolled. Parents/Guardians must also sign a Family Commitment Form.
Q: Will transportation be provided?
A: Transportation will be provided to students who reside within BCSC boundaries.
Q: What model will BCSC be using for the Two-Way Immersion Pathway?
A: BCSC will be using the 80/20 model. A model is determined by the percentage taught in Spanish in Pre-K and Kindergarten. The table below shows how percentages change over time.
Grade
Spanish/English Percentage
Pre-K - First Grade
80/20
Second Grade
Third Grade
70/30
60/40
Fourth Grade - Sixth Grade
50/50
Q: Where can I find more information about the benefits of Two-Way Immersion?
A:
http://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/schools/lsoe_sites/cce/pdf/2%20Way%20Immersion%20Toolkit.pdf