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Meeting Date:
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5/26/2022 - 6:30 PM
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Category:
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Discussion Topics
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Type:
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Info
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Subject:
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Dual Language Update
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ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
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Goal 1: Systemic Alignment ACPS will build a culture of continuous improvement and design equitable systems for school and instructional improvement. Goal 2: Instructional Excellence ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction. Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning. Goal 4: Strategic Resource Allocation ACPS will strategically provide differentiated resources and supports to schools and departments. Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
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Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)
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File Attachment:
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Agenda Item Summary:
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Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has expanded the Dual Language Program model to the middle school level to achieve the program goals of academic achievement, bilingualism, biliteracy, and socio-cultural competence for students, and to promote the cognitive benefits and high levels of academic achievement associated with bilingualism and dual language education. The Dual Language Program strand in middle school consists of two courses in Spanish: Spanish Language Arts and Social Studies. To provide program services to families on both the east and west sides of Alexandria City, and to accommodate future expansion of the Dual Language Program at John Adams Elementary School, the program is offered at two middle school sites: Francis C. Hammond George Washington Middle School.
Additionally, ACPS is continuing to enhance the K-5 Dual Language Program at John Adams Elementary School and Mount Vernon Community School. The Center for Applied Linguistics is providing guidance to ACPS teacher-writers who are developing Spanish Language Arts curriculum maps to match SOL English Language Arts and Common Core en español standards and objectives for grades 3, 4, and 5. This is a central piece to developing a cohesive, vertically aligned K-12 dual language education plan.
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Background:
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Dual Language Programs are a form of enrichment education based on over 40 years of research showing the advantages of learning a second language through academic content instruction. In 2014-2015, ACPS renewed its commitment to dual language education through the creation of a new Dual Language Coordinator position. A needs assessment was conducted, a five-year plan was collaboratively developed for improving the program, and Mount Vernon Community School began the transition to a whole-school Dual Language Program, beginning with its’ Kindergarten classes. Those Kindergarten students from SY 2014-2015 are now in the 7th grade. Expansion of the Dual Language Program to the secondary level supports the program goals of biliteracy, bilingualism, high achievement, and cultural competence for students, enables more students to reach the advanced levels of second language proficiency in demand in today’s global economy, and assists in closing the opportunity and achievement gap.
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Recommendation:
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The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the attachment and remain current about the Dual Language Program expansion to the middle school level and enhancement at the K-5 level.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Dr. Terri H. Mozingo - Chief Academic Officer
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Signed By:
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Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent
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