Season 2 of “Take the Stage” just launched on PBS LearningMedia, and HISD elementary teachers are using the interactive lessons to get their students excited about learning through fine arts.
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HISD accepts District of Distinction award for dual-language program
The Association of Two-Way and Dual Language Education on Tuesday presented HISD with the 2017 District of Distinction award for the district’s dual language program at the 25th Annual Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.
“This national award is presented to schools and districts that have been trailblazers in establishing powerful school programs that ensure the opportunity of bilingualism and biliteracy for their students,” said Rosa Molina, executive director of ATDLE. “The dual language programs started in HISD over 20 years ago, and recognition for HISD’s commitment to this work is long overdue.” Continue reading
HISD named District of Distinction for dual language program
The Association of Two-Way and Dual Language Education has named Houston ISD as the recipient of the 2017 District of Distinction award for the district’s dual language program.
“This national award is presented to schools and districts that have been trailblazers in establishing powerful school programs that ensure the opportunity of bilingualism and biliteracy for their students,” said Rosa Molina executive director of ATDLE. “The dual language programs started in HISD over 20 years ago, and recognition for HISD’s commitment to this work is long overdue.”
The national award will be presented during 25th Annual Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Conference in Palm Springs, Calif. on June 27. Continue reading
HISD Superintendent Terry Grier focuses on global education, higher education in 2015 State of the Schools address
Placing a strong emphasis on college attendance and completion, Houston Independent School District Superintendent Terry Grier on Wednesday unveiled plans to expand the district’s successful EMERGE program and double the number of college counselors available to high school students. Continue reading
Pre-K students show off their bilingual skills
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Law Elementary pre-kindergarten students showed off their bilingual skills to the local media at a press conference on Jan. 23 announcing the expansion of HISD’s dual language program. Law began its dual language program three years ago with pre-K students and now is offering it up to third grade. It will continue to add one grade each year. Continue reading
HISD adding 21 campuses to dual language program in 2015–2016
HISD is expanding its successful dual language program to 21 more campuses in 2015–2016, launching thousands of additional pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students on the road to learning a second language. Currently, 31 HISD schools offer a Spanish dual language program.
Starting in August, kindergarten students — and pre-kindergarten students, at some schools — will be learning in both English and Spanish. One grade will be added to the program each year until it reaches school-wide.
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Strong classroom support promotes success for HISD dual language expansion
When Houston ISD doubled its dual language programs to include 28 schools this August, that was just the beginning of district’s commitment to making sure students on those campuses become bilingual and biliterate.
Representatives of HISD’s Multilingual Programs Department have visited each school to evaluate instructional practices and to offer support for principals and teachers to embed language instruction into strong academic content. Native Spanish-speakers learn English, and English speakers gain a second language through immersion. Continue reading
HISD Board of Education approves creation of
Arabic Language Immersion Magnet School
The Houston Independent School District Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to approve plans for the district’s first-ever Arabic Language Immersion Magnet School.
The school is set to open its doors in the fall of 2015, with two pre-kindergarten and two kindergarten classes. A new grade level would be added each year as the students progress through the fifth grade.
HISD proposes new Arabic Language Immersion Magnet to meet needs of culturally diverse city
Poised to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive global economy and growing Arab-American population, the Houston Independent School District is proposing the creation of its first-ever Arabic Language Immersion Magnet School.
If approved by the HISD Board of Education, the proposed dual language immersion school would open its doors in the fall of 2015, with two pre-kindergarten and two kindergarten classes. A new grade level would be added each year as the students progress through the fifth grade.
Dual language program to double in size for 2015–2016 school year
HISD’s dual language program is doubling in size next year to more than 50 campuses — and the district is currently recruiting schools to commit to the year-long process to become a dual language campus for the 2015–2016 year.
Dual language campuses promote instruction in two languages as equally important. This allows English Language Learners (ELLs) to retain their own language while mastering English and gives native English speakers the gift of bilingualism. Studies have shown that children enrolled in dual-language programs routinely outperform their peers on standardized tests, do better on college-readiness exams such as the SAT, and can earn up to 20 percent more in wages as adults.
“Dual language schools also support biculturalism,” said Assistant Superintendent of Multilingual Programs Gracie Guerrero. “It’s a win-win for everyone, and HISD’s long-term vision is that every graduate will be fluent in two languages.”
HISD’s current dual language schools are now accepting student applications for the 2015–2016 school year. For a complete listing of campuses, click here, or watch the video below to learn more about the program and its benefits.
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Schools interested in the opportunity of becoming a dual language campus for the 2015–2016 school year should contact Gracie Guerrero at guerre5@HoustonISD.org or 713-556-6961.