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From Research to Reality: Starting an Elementary World Language Program

This guide outlines the steps to establish an elementary world language program in your district, with insights from the Waunakee Community School District program. Learn about program types, development, curriculum, and implementation. Utilize planning checklists and examples from successful programs. Discover various program models, such as Total Immersion and Content-Based FLES. Gain support, plan, implement, and assess the effectiveness of your program. Follow the comprehensive process to offer language education to young learners effectively.

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From Research to Reality: Starting an Elementary World Language Program

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  1. From Research to Reality:How to Start an Elementary World Language Program in Your District Mandy Madderom Heather Lawnicki Waunakee Community School District

  2. Overview • Types of elementary language programs • The Waunakee Example • Ready: The Proposal • Set: Program Development and Support • Go: Curriculum and Implementation

  3. Program Planning Checklist 1. Hold district-wide planning meetings 2. Complete mission statement, program philosophy 3. Select program model and goals 4. Select language 5. Develop budget Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola

  4. Program Planning Checklist 6. Develop curriculum 7. Plan articulation with 6-12 program 8. Plan for evaluation of program 9. Design public relations activities 10. Disseminate program information Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola

  5. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Elementary Language Programs • Total Immersion: All instruction takes place in the target language. • Two-Way Immersion: At least half of the learning time is spent in the target language. • Partial Immersion: Up to half of the learning time is in the target language. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  6. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Elementary Language Programs • Content-Based FLES: Proficiency focused language instruction integrated into content area. • FLES: A minimum of 75 minutes per week with a listening and speaking focus. • FLEX: Classes are usually conducted in English as an introduction to the foreign language and culture. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  7. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Waunakee Example • Content-Based FLES: Students learn Social Studies concepts while developing proficiency in the target language. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  8. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Waunakee Example • Started in 1st and 2nd grade in 2006-2007 • Expanded to 3rd grade last year, 4th grade this year, until full implementation through 6th grade • Meet 3x/week, for 30 minute class periods at all grade levels • Classroom teacher’s presence is not required Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  9. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Waunakee Example • District conducted a study of the entire world language program in 2000-01. • Area of concern • High percentage of students enrolled in the MS world language program (Spanish) take Level 1 Spanish again at the high school. • Began study of an elementary world language program. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  10. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Process • Formed an Ad Hoc Committee in Fall 2004: • classroom teachers • world language teachers • principals • administrators • parents • world language consultants (DPI and UW) • school board members Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  11. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Process • Gathered information • research • contacted other successful elementary programs • developed rationale for elementary world language program • Visited sites • Menasha • Appleton • Kettle Moraine Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  12. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Process • Sent out parent survey to all elementary families in Winter 2005 • Developed a proposal to present to the full school board in Fall 2005, including: • a budget • potential schedule • space usage Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  13. Parent Survey • Questions we asked: • Do you think a language other than English should be taught at the elementary level? • What do you see as the benefits of early lang. learning? • Should the district offer the same language at all elementary schools? • What language should be offered? • Should the study of a language be required? • Is a language other than English spoken at home? • Have you traveled or lived in another country where your native language was not spoken? • Have you studied a world language?

  14. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Proposal • Made a recommendation to implement an elementary world language program in Waunakee • Recommendation included a FLES program, integrating social studies and/or science into the language instruction, so nothing is “added to” a student’s already busy schedule Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  15. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Proposal • Spanish was proposed as the required language for all three elementary schools; parent survey strongly suggested Spanish • French should be introduced at the 6th grade level in a semester long course • Elementary World Language teacher should have a strong elementary teaching background and fluency in the language Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  16. Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program The Proposal • District would explore K-12 scope and sequence so students are able to attain a high level of fluency • An inter-disciplinary approach should be implemented (science or social studies) • Program should be annually assessed Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Planning

  17. Program Planning Checklist 1. Hold district-wide planning meetings 2. Complete mission statement, program philosophy 3. Select program model and goals 4. Select language 5. Develop budget Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  18. Program Planning Checklist 6. Develop curriculum 7. Plan articulation with 6-12 program 8. Plan for evaluation of program 9. Design public relations activities 10. Disseminate program information Source: Language and Children: Making the Match by Helena Curtain and Carol Ann Pesola Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  19. How to Gain Support • Parent survey • Establish a well-rounded committee (advocates of the program, but also skeptics) • Research! • ERIC Digest (www.eric.ed.gov/) • Center for Applied Linguistics (www.cal.org) • Ñandutí (www.cal.org/earlylang/) Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  20. How to Gain Support • Hold informational sessions for parents and grade level teachers. • Invite community leaders and school board members frequently to visit and observe classes. • Develop a financial plan including staffing needs and resources. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  21. How to Gain Support • Include grade level teachers in curricular planning. • Teacher investment in world language is crucial. • Grade level teachers are share holders in this project. • Seek their input. • Make your program a help not a hindrance. • Share curriculum with grade level teachers before you start teaching. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  22. Beginning the Program • Start slowly: Plan lessons that are inviting to your students and colleagues. • Explain how the class will run. A new immersion experience could be overwhelming. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  23. Beginning the Program • Establish a routine. • An initial routine prepares students to “switch” languages. • Students build confidence when they can predict what will happen next. • Beginning class with a routine also allows teachers to prepare for the upcoming class. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  24. Beginning the Program • Expect a little tension. Change is difficult. • Allow students time to accept the new challenge. • Explain your content to grade level teachers. • Consider a weekly e-mail. Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  25. Beginning the Program • Manage expectations. • Provide information on language proficiency. • Use documented examples of what is normal for your type of program. • Expect visitors • Your program is new and exciting! Elementary Language Programs Waunakee: The Proposal Program Planning Gaining Support Beginning the Program Planning

  26. Planning the Curriculum Grade by Grade

  27. Program Planning Elementary Language Programs Gaining Support Waunakee: The Proposal Beginning the Program Grade Level Curriculum • Each grade level is centered on the content standards for Social Studies. • Each grade level has a focus country. Planning

  28. Program Planning Elementary Language Programs Gaining Support Waunakee: The Proposal Beginning the Program Unit Plans • Concepts • Language Focus • Key Structures and Vocabulary Planning

  29. FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM UNIT: Waunakee Community School District UNIT THEME: Where I Live and Where I Go to School: My School Days TIMELINE: 9 days

  30. Program Planning Elementary Language Programs Gaining Support Waunakee: The Proposal Beginning the Program Lesson Plans • Activities • Assessments • Materials • Standards Planning

  31. Questions?

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