Schenectady outlines plan to launch dual-language program, expands ASL and world-language offerings

Leah Kalea, assistant director of world language for the Schenectady City School District, told the board on April 9 that the district will launch a two-way Spanish dual-language kindergarten program in fall 2026 and expand related supports across grades in subsequent years.

The presentation described a multi-part strategy: grow world-language options (including a newly added American Sign Language course), expand English as a New Language (ENL) staffing and co-teaching models, and begin a phased dual-language bilingual education program at Paige Elementary Community School that would eventually extend through grade 12. The district also described curriculum work, recruitment plans, a lottery-based enrollment approach and ongoing community outreach.

District staff said the goal is to increase bilingualism and close achievement gaps. "We are really, really excited to present to you this evening on world language, ASL, English as new language, and our newly anticipated dual language bilingual education program," Kalea said at the start of the presentation.

Staff described current world-language offerings and uptake. Cecily Carr, the district’s ASL teacher, said ASL enrollment this year is 142 students and that the district is participating in establishing ASL standards for New York State. "Our current enrollment this year is 142 students," Carr said. Sarah Scott, district ENL department chair, said the district has increased ENL co-teaching and…