Dual Language

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SER-Niños Charter School provides our students the opportunity to acquire proficiency in academic skills, technological literacy and appreciation of two languages and two cultures through a Dual-Language Program. 

 

Learning a second language gives our children the ability to communicate in two languages but also to become better problem solvers, thinkers and overall well rounded individuals. 

 

According to the Center of Applied Linguistics  research data indicates that students in Dual-language Programs compared with students in traditional classrooms: 

1) achieve as well or better in English Language Arts;

2) generally achieve higher scores in reading;

3) achieve greater overall proficiency in pronunciation and language skills in the second language;

4) perform as well or better in other subjects;

5) are shown to be more creative thinkers; and

6) Have better developed verbal skills. 

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In addition, to academic success, students will develop high levels of self-esteem and positive cross-cultural attitudes.

 

SER-Niños Charter School uses the 50/50 Dual Language model to instruct students.  Students are instructed 50% of the time in English and 50% of the time in Spanish in content areas (Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Language Arts). 

 

Students receive reading instruction in their dominant language.  A student is transitioned from Spanish reading to English reading instruction, or from English reading to Spanish reading instruction when reading mastery in one language has been achieved.

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Multi-age

 

Students of different ages are intentionally grouped for learning. Multiage classes encourage intentionally diverse communities of learners in which differences in individual strengths, needs and learning styles complement rather than divide. 

 

This program increases the school’s ability to place each child in the most positive learning environment.  The school fosters an environment that focuses on personal progress not comparisons.  The fun of learning comes easily as the pressure of being alike is removed.  The program focuses on each child’s individual progress. 

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Cooperative Learning/Direct Instruction

 

Students are given direct instruction and also taught to work in groups to achieve a specific goal.  They work on class projects with presentations at the end of each thematic unit of study. Students frequently have the chance to lead classroom discussions or work with peers to complete assignments.  In addition to whole class instruction, other instructional methods may include individual coaching, hands-on learning, discovery learning, peer tutoring and community service learning.