Sep 1, 2006 6:33 pm US/Central
DISD Offering 'Dual Language Education'
by Steve Pickett
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Hundreds of Texas schools offer bilingual education for schoolchildren who do not speak English, but the Dallas Independent School District is working to expand this two-way language education program. There is now an expanded effort to teach Spanish to English speakers, in a program called 'dual language education.'
For classrooms that participate in this program, the teaching and the learning take place in two languages. English is taught on Monday. Spanish is taught on Tuesday. Students are taught to become bilingual and bi-literate, according to 'dual language education' coordinators, learning the basics of reading and writing everyday.
DISD Assistant Superintendent Gilda Evans said, "Some of them may know a little Spanish from 'Sesame Street,' or maybe the first hearing Spanish. They do quite well. It's a beautiful thing to see."
Patricia Barroso is a teacher in one of these classrooms at Walnut Hill Elementary School. Of her students, 12 are acquiring Spanish speaking skills while 10 others are learning English.
"They are absorbing both languages, and at this age, it's easy for them to learn. They're like little sponges. They absorb everything," said Barroso.
This is the DISD's seventh year for this program at Walnut Hill Elementary School. The district is now expanding 'dual language education' to six other schools.
The 'dual language education' program begins at the Pre-K age (4- and 5-year-olds).
About 200 students are currently a part of the program.
(CBS 11 News)
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