SCHOOL WEBSITE

PROGRAM(S) PARTICIPATED IN: Sprint 2015

TEAM

Jennie Vazquez, 3rd Grade bilingual education teacher
Andrea Montgomery, Bilingual Teacher
Mariel Laureano, founding Principal
Amber K. Richard, Assistant Principal

PROBLEM

lack of Spanish instruction is a problem for our bilingual scholars because they are not ready to transition to an all English instructional model,  they do not maintain their native Spanish – limiting communication at home, and they need Spanish language to access specific content (SS/Science). 

HOW MIGHT WE…

Increase our scholars use of Spanish in order to graduate a bilingual and biliterate scholar by leveraging our current Spanish resources?

SOLUTION

The Prieto team initially sought to enhance the bilingual program by leveraging and strengthening Spanish resources to maximize student learning. Contrary to their expectations, they found that the largest concern among students and parents was the support of a Spanish community and Spanish culture in the school. Therefore, they created a prototype where a Spanish parent teaches a Spanish lesson during the school day. This encourages parents to actively bring their culture and strengths into the school’s culture and community. This will create a balance in the school that honors the culture of the Spanish students.