Six Calcasieu schools to be recognized as La.-certified world language immersion schools
Published 4:49 pm Tuesday, April 18, 2023
- (American Press Archives)
The Calcasieu Parish school district’s efforts to promote second language acquisition have been recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Six Calcasieu Parish School Board schools — Henry Heights Elementary, Prien Lake Elementary, S.J. Welsh Middle, Frasch Elementary, Oak Park Middle and W.W. Lewis Middle — will be recognized as Louisiana certified world language immersion schools at the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meeting this Wednesday, April 19.
This certification, which remains valid for three years, ensures that students in these immersion programs receive high-quality and highly effective instruction that leads to “biliteracy, student achievement, positive self-esteem, marketable skills for the global workforce and better job opportunities,” said Monique Partin Roberts, CPSB World Languages Consultant.
“These certifications mean that CPSB can assure the public that its immersion students receive the best possible educational experience,” she said.
They also have to complete exhaustive questionnaires and host an unannounced site visit audit conducted by the LDOE.
The immersion teachers and school administrators at these certified schools made the decision to apply to the certification process in the fall of 2022, Roberts said.
All six schools have been previously certified. Frasch Elementary received their certification in 2018, while the remaining five schools were certified in 2019.
Language immersion education – instruction in which math, science and social studies are taught alongside french or spanish – creates bilingual students with diversified and adaptable skills.
“Research shows that proficient bilinguals are better at problem solving, mental flexibility, attention to detail, task switching, creativity and conflict management,” said Roberts. “When it comes to bilingualism, this method of instruction produces a high degree of proficiency in the second language,” said Roberts.
These students also excel in English studies. “As a second language learning increases vocabulary and strengthens grammar in both languages, studies show that students who learn to read, write and study other subjects in a second language do better in English.”
Immersion students also excel in standardized testing, as data consistently shows that they perform as well or better than their counterparts, she said. “It is impressive that an immersion student learns math, science and social studies in a foreign language and outperforms students on the English LEAP tests.”
Students’ progress is monitored by the World Languages and Accountability departments through LEAP testing from third to eight grades.
There are 14 CPSB schools that offer immersion programs. French immersion is offered at Henry Heights, Prien Lake, Gillis Elementary, S.J. Welsh Middle, Moss Bluff Middle, Barbe High School and Sam Houston High School. Spanish is offered at Oak Park Elementary and Middle, Frasch, Fairview Elementary, W.W. Lewis, Sulphur High school and Lagrange.
To participate, students must enter either the French or Spanish pathway in kindergarten or first grade, depending on professional recommendations, and are not expected to have any prior experience in their immersion language, Roberts said.
In Elementary School, 60 percent of the students’ school day consists of language immersion learning in their math, science and social studies classes. The other portion of their day is with their English teacher.
The amount of time spent learning in their target language decreases as students reach middle and high school. Middle school students spend 2 to 3 hours in language immersion, while high school students spend only one hour in their designated language.
Kindergarten immersion classes are limited to 23 to 25 students. Roberts said since there are so few spots, parents hoping to enroll their child in either pathway should be aware of the years-long commitment that immersion language learning requires.
Parents can enroll their children into an immersion by applying directly to their school of choice. Each site has their own screening process.
Out-of-Zone permits are available, given parents provide transportation. After the student is selected, the Out-of-Zone application must be submitted to Child Welfare and Attendance before May 31.
