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BCSC highlights expansion of Legado Spanish dual-language pathway
Summary
District staff and teachers presented Legado’s K–12 Spanish immersion pathway, citing an eight-year implementation, high third-grade iRead pass rates for Legado students, teacher diversity and possible future college-credit opportunities through IU Columbus.
Gracie Patino, an instructional coach at Clifty Creek, and district leaders told the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation board about the district’s Legado Spanish dual-language pathway, which the presenters said is now in its eighth year and extends into middle school.
"This year marks our eighth year of implementation for Legado Spanish Academy," Patino said, noting that the first cohort has moved into Central Middle School. A video included testimonials from parents and students; one seventh-grader said, "Thanks to Legado, I can speak in two languages," and a parent described the program as a welcoming, community-oriented environment that broadens students’ opportunities.
Dr. Nicole Leach, the district EL director, summarized academic benefits the district attributes to early bilingual instruction. She said Legado students outperform district averages on reading measures by middle school and that program iRead third-grade pass rates were especially strong: "Legado's average was 94.7%." Leach pointed to research on cognitive benefits, higher attendance, and potential economic advantages for graduates who are multilingual.
Board members asked how language instruction is handled in middle school. Leach explained the program model transitions from an 80/20 Spanish/English split in elementary toward a 50/50 balance as students progress and confirmed that students take content-area instruction such as math and science in English while continuing Spanish-language courses and supports.
On assessment, the presenters described the use of a Spanish-language proficiency exam (the STAMP test aligned to ACTFL standards) to measure reading, writing, speaking and listening in Spanish; Leach said Central students will take STAMP in eighth grade before AP coursework.
Patino said the district is expanding pathways and exploring partnerships with IU Columbus that could allow students to earn college credits in Spanish by graduation. She also outlined teacher recruitment and the cultural diversity among staff, saying teachers at Clifty Creek represent countries including Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico and U.S. states such as Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
The presentation closed with enrollment logistics: applications and enrollment information are released in December each year. The board did not take an immediate vote; presenters said they will follow up with enrollment details and outreach plans.
The board will continue to discuss Legado implementation and enrollment procedures at upcoming meetings.
