Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña today announced that 15 schools with existing Dual Language programs will become Model Dual Language Programs for the 2015-16 school year. The schools will receive $10,000 for multilingual instructional materials and staff will have ongoing professional development. This initiative will foster collaborative practices among Dual Language educators, elevate the quality of programs across the City and provide support and guidance to school staff interested in opening programs.
Each school designated as a Model Dual Language Program will host visits from other school leaders and staff to share best practices and strengthen other schools’ existing or prospective Dual Language programs. The 15 Model Dual Language Programs include elementary, middle and high schools in all five boroughs – four in the Bronx, three in Brooklyn, three in Queens, four in Manhattan, and one on Staten Island. They include Chinese, French, Russian, Hebrew, and Spanish Dual Language programs.
“When principals and teachers share effective strategies, it’s the students who benefit,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Dual Language programs offer academic rigor for students and the opportunity to maintain their native language while learning a new one and learning about diverse cultures. These 15 schools are leaders in Dual Language education and, through collaborative practices, we can ensure a supportive, high-quality multilingual experience for even more students.”
The Division of English Language Learners and Student Support, a standalone office dedicated to supporting English Language Learners, selected the 15 Model Dual Language Programs based on their Dual Language education and schoolwide commitment to it, as well as classroom rigor and strong family engagement practices.
“Dual Language programs provide educators with innovative ways to strengthen school diversity and meet and expand horizons for both English Language Learners and English-proficient students,” said Harlem Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “I’m pleased that MS 223 and PS 73 have been selected to host Model Dual Language Programs and look forward to continuing to work with Chancellor Fariña and the Department of Education as we work together to expand this promising new initiative.”
- PS 161 Pedro Albizu Campos, East Harlem – Spanish
“In a City as diverse as New York, it is imperative that our educational system not only provide high-quality Dual Language instruction but that we also support the schools who are doing this work so well. From Washington Heights to Corona Queens, the citywide Model Dual Language Program will come a long way in providing the support schools need to expand upon the quality of their Dual Language programing,” said City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “I congratulate the schools and principals selected for this new initiative and am especially proud of MS 319 Maria Teresa and Principal Ysidro Abreu in my district.”
- MS 319 Maria Teresa, Inwood – Spanish
schools.nyc.gov
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