Purpose:
- Learn about and review Dual Language Program components and the issues affecting the development of K-12 dual language programs.
- Confirm the concept and recommend a model for possible implementation of Dual Language Program(s) in Bellingham Public Schools beginning no sooner than the 2023-24 school year.
- Identify projected program design at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
- Develop a timeline that includes initial plans for dual language program professional development, curriculum and materials, and program evaluation plan.
- Present a draft of the Dual Language “Master Plan” to the Superintendent for review and consideration of next steps.
Basis for Establishment:
- Dual language programs offer asset-based education that builds strong home-school connections, and they advance identity development by honoring the language of multilingual students’ family/community.
- Research indicates that dual language programs serve to close achievement gaps for English Learners more effectively than other program models.
- The Washington State Superintendent has established a vision for serving multilingual learners through two-way dual language programs, beginning in kindergarten and extending through 12th grade available to all Washington State multilingual learners by 2030.
- As a result of the Early Learning and K-12 Dual Language Law (1445 S.SL. c 236), Washington State offers competitive grants to school districts who are developing dual language programs. Bellingham Public Schools received one of these two-year grants for $200,000 to support this work.
Decision-Making Process:
- Recommendations will be made based on research, discussion and input gathered during the process.
- Task Force will utilize processes of consensus and input/feedback. We will engage in clear communication among team members and with stake holders regarding the work.
- The work will be consultative with the Department of Teaching and Learning.
- The group will be a recommending body to the superintendent.
Plan of Work:
- 2021: Issue call for applications
- November 2021: Form the Dual Language Task Force
- December 2021-March 2022: Task Force meets to build background knowledge regarding Dual Language Program components through reading, research, and site visits to dual language programs in other districts.
- April-May 2022: The Task Force will propose a recommended dual language program model and complete a draft of the “dual language master plan” document.
- June 2022—The Task Force will review and submit the master plan draft to the superintendent and will work on details of the year-two Dual Language Task Force timeline for 2022-23.
Members:
- Isabel Meaker, Executive Director of Family Engagement, co-chair
- Amy Carder, Director of Teaching and Learning (Multilingual Learners), co-chair
- Dual Language Program Consultants from Education Impact Exchange
- Mike Copland, Deputy Superintendent
- Tom Gresham, Director of Teaching and Learning (Title I, Early Childhood, Student Services)
- Analisa Ficklin, Assistant Director of Special Education
- Dana Smith, Communications Manager
- Nick Hayes, Principal, Happy Valley Elementary School
- Allison Chryst, Vice Principal, Shuksan Middle School
- Nicole Talley, Principal, Birchwood Elementary School
- Nelly Schonborn, Multilingual Learner Specialist
- Angelica Garcia, Multilingual Learner Specialist
- Rachel Grogan, Multilingual Learner Specialist
- Rey Ramos, K-12 Math TOSA
- Meira Lifson, Teacher, Cordata Elementary
- Luz Lopez, Teacher, Alderwood Elementary
- Mandeep Kaur, ML Paraeducator
- Esmeralda Ortiz, ML Paraeducator, Shuksan Middle School
- Laura Nunez, Paraeducator, Squalicum High School
- Mariangely Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant, Birchwood Elementary School
- 6-7 Parents/guardians of multilingual learners
- Students (Preferable High School Teacher Academy Participants)
- BEA President or Designee
- Community Partners
- Director Bilingual Teacher Community Routes, Western Washington University
- Opportunity Council Early Childhood Representative
(School Board Member, ex officio)
Responsibilities:
- Attend all Task Force meetings and engage in reflective conversations
- Participate in educational activities and readings
- Gather and share feedback from stakeholder groups
- Interact collaboratively and respectfully with all task force members.
- Commitment to participate in at least one dual language school site visit day trip. Likely locations include: Skagit Valley, Bellevue, Highline, Kent or Evergreen School District.
Timeline:
Meetings will be held every other month on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m., December 2021 through June 2022. Members will have the opportunity to continue serving on the Dual Language Task Force during the second year of planning in 2022-23.
- Thursday Dec. 9, 2021 4:00-5:30 Minutes
- Thursday Feb. 10, 2022 4:00-5:30 Minutes
- Thursday April 21, 2022 4:00-5:30 Minutes Draft
- Thursday June 9, 2022 4:00-5:30
Budget Implications:
All anticipated budget expenses for professional learning, travel, materials, substitutes, etc. will be covered through the state dual language grant.
Other:
In addition to representation on the task force, relevant groups will be targeted to solicit input and provide feedback.