Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Dual Language Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alta Rus staff describe 50-50 dual-language program as academic and cultural resource
Summary
Staff from Alta Rus Elementary told the BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT meeting that the school's 50-50 dual-language program splits instruction between English and Spanish, supports students' language confidence, and emphasizes cultural celebration; no formal action was taken.
At a BLAINE COUNTY DISTRICT meeting, staff from Alta Rus Elementary described the school's 50-50 dual-language program, saying instruction is split between English and Spanish and that the program supports students academically and culturally.
A staff member said, “Alta Rus Elementary is a dual language school.” They described the model as splitting instruction so “students learn in English for half of their day, and then they switch over to the Spanish side for the other half of the day.” The staff member added, “It's just a place where we celebrate each other, not only academically, but culturally. It's a school where we welcome everyone.”
Another staff member highlighted student language growth and confidence, saying, “To see their growth and their confidence in their language of both languages is fascinating to me because they don't always see it themselves, but they are.” One speaker, identifying experience as a first-grade Spanish teacher, recounted a classroom change: “I had a student that was very reluctant to speak Spanish. They would shut down. They would cry whenever I would ask them a question. And by the end of the year, this particular student was 1 of the students that was helping my other native English speakers, and now this student is speaking beautiful Spanish.”
Staff emphasized a forward-looking, student-centered approach: “We're already focusing on what our kids need now and in their future. That language is important for their futures. And so we just wanna make sure we're really student focused in what they need in their life.” They also described the classroom climate the program seeks to create: “It's just a place where kids are ready to take chances, to make mistakes, to take those risks, to help them become the best version of themselves.”
The remarks were presented as descriptive testimony about the program; no motions, votes, or formal actions regarding the Alta Rus program were recorded during the meeting.
