Learn about LCS' Spanish Immersion Program
Lexington City Schools (LCS) Dual Language Immersion Program is currently enrolling students for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. Started in 2019, “Language immersion program is exciting option for parents who want their children to have the advantages of a rigorous academic program while also learning two languages - English and a target language. For example, in a Spanish immersion program, Spanish is not a subject; Spanish is the language in which instruction is delivered,” as stated in Participate Learning Dual Language Program brochure.
This unique opportunity is only offered at Pickett Elementary School and is open to all students (even those who don’t attend LCS. To provide more information about the curriculum and benefits, I asked second grade immersion teacher Flor Castillo a few questions.
When did the program begin?
The Dual Language Program started in August of 2019 under Principal Gina Spencer's administration with myself joining the program from Honduras as the first instructor of our Kindergarten class. I worked closely with Susana Plascencia, my teacher assistant, to provide a space that encouraged the development of communication skills and a higher degree of literacy through Spanish Immersion. Our program started with 17 students from diverse backgrounds from our Lexington community. Both of us are native Spanish speakers with more than 20 years of experience. This program is only offered at Pickett Elementary.
2. What students are eligible to participate?
All students are welcomed and eligible to participate in the program.
3. How do students sign up? Is there a selection process?
Parents may enroll their students into the Dual Language program as early as Kindergarten through accessing the Spanish Immersion application from Pickett Elementary School’s website or they may pick up an application from its main office. Pickett is currently enrolling students who are or will be 5 years old on or before August 31, of the 2022-2023 school year. Students are also eligible to enroll in 1st grade Spanish Immersion during the first quarter, if they have already completed a regular Kindergarten class.
There is currently no selection process outside of completing the application and meeting all of the qualifications identified there.
4. What will students learn in the program?
Our program delivers high quality education with a complete academic foundation through which your child will learn Spanish.
All dual language students will learn the same state-approved standards as other schools.
Students will be prepared to achieve and to perform well on state assessments, which are administered in English.
5. Who are the teachers for the program?
The teachers at this program are highly qualified native Spanish speakers, as well as certified teachers, from different Latin American countries. Currently at Pickett Elementary we have educators from Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico.
6. Is the program only for one year? Or is it continuous throughout the elementary years?
Students can begin our dual language program in Kindergarten and continue through fifth grade. They not only develop proficiency in Spanish by the end of elementary school, but also develop the skills to succeed in a traditional non-immersion classroom. Researchers have demonstrated that there are cognitive advantages of bilingualism, particularly on tasks measuring cognitive flexibility and selective attention.
7. What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of the program is to increase cultural understanding while enhancing rigorous cognitive skills to prepare students for a global society and marketplace. It also prepares students to contribute to the world community and compete in the global marketplace.
Research shows dual language students outperform native English speaking classmates on standardized tests. Being literate in two or more languages provides a comprehensive advantage to succeed in a global marketplace
8. How is this program beneficial to students?
Some of the many benefits are:
Bilingual and biliterate: Dual language students achieve high proficiency in the target language.
Increased cultural understanding: Dual language students learn a philosophy of diversity and inclusion.
Enhanced cognitive skills: Dual language students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, showing increased memory, superior problem-solving skills, and better attention control as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
Improved self-esteem: Being able to communicate and excel academically in two languages gives dual language students greater self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.
Proven performance on standardized tests: Dual language students show great gains and increased performance on standardized tests in reading and math.
Preparation for a global society and marketplace: Dual language students are better prepared to be leaders in a global community and to succeed in the 21st century marketplace.
