Indiana Dual Language
January 2020
Program of the Month: Clifty Creek Elementary of Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation
The highlighted program for January is Legado Spanish Immersion Academy at Clifty Creek Elementary, an 80/20, two-way dual language program that partners the Spanish language with English. Legado, legacy in Spanish, is creating a legacy of opportunities for students through the gift of a bilingual education. The program is in the midst of its second year of implementation serving students in pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade.
The mission at BCSC is “deeper learning is our individualized approach for preparing all learners to succeed in a competitive global economy and democratic society and to tackle the complex issues they will encounter.” The vision is “BCSC demonstrates a community commitment to deeper learning for one…and all.” BCSC believes in offering families options by providing different pathways for students to be successful. One thing that distinguishes Legado is their decision to implement the 80/20 model. Research has clearly indicated if the goal is for students to be biliterate and bilingual, then increased use of target language will provide the best route.
The increase in family and community support has been a welcome result of Legado. Several businesses and agencies have partnered with the program to support its implementation, to market the pathway, to provide donations for events, and to assist when international teachers first arrive to our community. Legado has worked diligently to increase family engagement. Family parent nights, summer events, and a holiday program have been added. A Spanish-speaking interpreter was hired just for Clifty Creek Elementary. By stationing her in the front office, there has been a substantial increase of Spanish-speaking families visiting the school and the classrooms. Legado can also boast almost one-hundred percent parent attendance in parent-teacher conferences by having conferences held in the parents’ native language.
As with all new programs, there have also been challenges. Developing the program from scratch has been a challenge. BCSC has also had to learn about the process for hiring international teachers, visas, and the necessary support needed to make sure international teachers feel welcome and are able to adjust to the community. A final challenge has been to locate bilingual substitutes.
To counter the challenges, Legado has experienced many successes. There has been full enrollment and low mobility within the program. The dual language teachers and assistants are exceptional and dedicated to the vision of the program. The support surrounding the program from administration, the school board, and the IDOE through the grant have been instrumental to its success. BCSC has been able to attend La Cosecha, the ATDLE conference, IDOE networking dates, and IU’s summer institutes. Continued professional development is imperative for successful programs, and Legado continues to learn and grow. Legado has a wonderful mural in its library that states "success is dependent on effort" in four languages. Legado proves this with the large amount of effort that has been put forth to make Legado truly successful.
Trish Morita-Mullaney Presents at EL Leadership
Indiana Dual Language Grant Recipients
Important Research for Principals in Dual Language
January Webinar for Interested LEAs
Meeting number (access code): 731 094 798
Join by phone
Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-415-655-0001 US Toll
Join from a video system or application
Dial 731094798@indiana.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
The National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation Standards
- Bilingualism and Biliteracy
- Sociocultural Competence
- Dual Language Instructional Practices and Pedagogy
- Authentic Assessment in Dual Language
- Professionalism, Advocacy, and Agency
- Program Design and Curricular Leadership
Here is a link to the Dual Language Education of New Mexico's news page with a download of the standards offered.
Opportunity to Attend Free Teaching for Biliteracy Institute
Possible Use of Dual Language Funds
- Fully online
- 8-week intensive format
- Related field experiences can be done in your classroom or school context
Nicole Leach
Email: nleach@doe.in.gov
Website: doe.in.gov
Phone: (317)232-0572
Twitter: @NicoleNLeach