Humble ISD
Spanish Immersion Program
Bear Branch Elementary
and
Pine Forest Elementary
What is the
Spanish Immersion Program?
• Spanish is the vehicle for content instruction;
it is not the subject of instruction
• Total immersion is one program format among
several that range on a continuum in terms of
time spent in the foreign language
The Humble ISD
Total Immersion Model
The percentage for each grade will be:
• 90% Spanish - 10% English for first grade.
• 90% Spanish - 10% English for second grade.
• 70% Spanish - 30% English for third grade.
• 60% Spanish - 40% English for fourth grade.
• 50% Spanish - 50% English for fifth grade.
What is the
Immersion Program?
A method of foreign language instruction
in which
the school curriculum
is taught
through
the medium
of the target language
The 5 C’s of Language Education
Proficiency Levels Attained
for Speaking, as Expected in Extended,
Uninterrupted Learning Sequences
Immersion Program
Description
The Humble ISD Spanish Immersion Program
provides a total language experience for
pupils whose parents want the advantage
of proficiency in English and exposure to a
second language.
Children learn the second language in a
natural way, through everyday classroom
conversational situations and through
subject content instruction.
Goals
The goal of the Humble Spanish Immersion Program
is to prepare our students for the future:
• by providing a diverse quality education
• through the usage of the Spanish language and culture
• through teaching proper and responsible use of all available
technological tools and resources
• encouraging students to explore, create and solve problems
in preparation for life-long learning in a global society.
Benefits of Exposure to
a Second Language
Benefits of second language exposure at an
early age?
• Positive effect on intellectual growth
• Enrich and enhance a child’s mental development
• Leave students with more flexibility in thinking, greater
sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening
• Improve a child’s understanding of his/her native language
• Increase job opportunities in many careers where knowing
another language is a real asset (CAL)
Frequently asked
questions
Are there any other districts doing Immersion
Programs?
Yes, Language Immersion is becoming increasingly
popular around the country. (CAL)
In the United States these programs began in
California, in 1971, and Montgomery County,
Maryland in 1972.
Currently there are similar programs in San Antonio
(Alamo Heights) and Dallas (Hurst-Euless
Bedford)
Frequently asked
questions
Does it matter if no one at home speaks the
second language?
• The program is designed for children of families
who do not speak the second language.
• Teachers will be aware of this when they send
notices to home or assign homework.
Frequently asked
questions
How can parents help?
It is necessary to read in English
every night at home to establish
a good foundation for English
reading and writing skills.
Encourage your child by telling him
or her how proud you are that he
or she is learning a second
language.
Frequently Asked
Questions
• Will transportation be provided from my home
campus to PFE or BBE?
• No transportation is provided for this program at the
elementary level
• Can my child attend either Bear Branch or Pine
Forest?
• Students in the Kingwood area will attend Bear
Branch and remain there during the elementary years
• Students in Atascocita and other Humble areas will
attend Pine Forest and remain there during the
elementary years
Frequently asked
questions
What are some characteristics that makes a child a good
candidate for this program?
Your child might be a strong candidate if he/she has:
• Good development in English oral language
• Developed first steps in reading and writing in English
• Can recognize all the sounds of the letters in English
• Information from the spring administration of the HERSI
(Humble ISD Early Reading Screening Inventory) will be
used to verify if kindergarten students have met the
required literacy benchmarks(DRA text level 6 by May 14)
• The child expresses an interest in learning a second
language
What about middle
school?
We currently offer a continuation of
Spanish immersion education at
Creekwood Middle School through
an accelerated Spanish program
How to apply for the
Spanish Immersion program
•
•
•
•
Registration for immersion students will be from March 1, 2012 to
March 30, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.
All applications must be returned to the front office at Bear
Branch or Pine Forest Elementary. There is a 5 year commitment to
the program
If more applications are received than positions available, there will
be a lottery to determine actual participation
– Kinder students of the hosting school (BBE/PFE) will
have preference
– Kinder students that reside in (BBE/PFE) will be
considered next
– The final tier will students that are from out of the
BBE/PFE attendance zones
You will be notified of your child’s acceptance into the program the
last week in May.
¡Gracias por su
interés!
• Thank you for your interest in
the Spanish Immersion Program