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District partners with Participate Learning to expand K–12 Spanish dual-language and global pathway
Summary
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools presented a partnership with Participate Learning to expand early-childhood and K–12 dual-language immersion and a Global Leaders/IB pathway; the board heard details on program models, teacher accreditation partnerships and next steps for classroom tours and a symposium.
The Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Board of Education on Oct. 28 heard a detailed presentation from Participate Learning on expanding the district’s Spanish dual-language immersion program and implementing a K–12 global learning pathway that could include middle-years IB and an eventual IB diploma option.
David Young, chief executive officer of Participate Learning, told the board the organization (formerly Visiting International Faculty) places exchange and dual-language teachers and supports districts in establishing sustained immersion programs. "If you start that in kindergarten, you can keep that going year over year," Young said, describing how early language exposure builds biliteracy.
Freebird McKinney, director of partnership development for Participate Learning, described formal partnerships that would support the district’s teacher development: participating teachers in the district’s Global Leaders certification will receive Elon University–accredited professional development, and many Exchange Teachers are supported through BridgeUSA J‑1 cultural-exchange visas. McKinney said Participate Learning now supports a substantial portion of J‑1 cultural-exchange placements nationally and can provide recruitment and classroom support.
Superintendent Dr. Parker said the district is pursuing a coherent K–12 global pathway that begins with dual-language immersion at several elementary schools and continues through middle-years programming and a diploma pathway at high school. Board members noted the program’s potential to increase students’ college-and-career readiness and encouraged public tours and a Global Symposium planned by the district.
Participate Learning and district staff told the board they will host public classroom tours of immersion classrooms the following morning and continue planning for a global symposium to promote program enrollment and teacher recruitment. No formal board action was required at the meeting.
Next steps: Participate Learning and district leaders will support recruitment and teacher development, host the scheduled public tours and continue planning for spring program expansion.
