- High expectations for achievement in both languages
- Rigorous curriculum based on district guidelines for content
- Separated contexts for each language
- Language Arts in both languages
- Thematic units and cross discipline coordination of content
- Use of cognitive learning strategies to address students' needs in both languages
- Facilitation of interaction with native speakers of students' second language
- Extra support for beginners in each language
- After-school homework help program
- Parent and community collaboration
The Bilingual Program depends upon a school/community partnership in which teachers, parents, students and administrators all work together to achieve academic excellence for program participants. To this end we have created the following list of minimal expectations of all participants.
Casey Administrators support the Bilingual Program by:- Demonstrating and communicating to students, school staff, parents and the community at large, a value for and commitment to bilingualism.
- Maintaining an open-door policy for teachers, students and their families to discuss concerns and have input into school decision-making processes.
- Making every effort to create a whole school climate that affirms diversity and makes non-English speaking parents feel welcome.
- Making every effort to hire qualified bilingual personnel for all the school's programs and activities.
Casey Teachers support the Bilingual Program by:- Demonstrating and communicating to students, staff and the community a value for and commitment to fostering academic bilingualism.
- Providing a rich curriculum that is both challenging and relevant to the students
- Providing a safe and disciplined learning environment
- Organizing instruction to meet the range of needs of first and second language learners.
- Encouraging students to work to their highest potential through challenging activities and individualized instruction.
- Providing ongoing feedback to students and parents about students' academic progress.
- Maintaining regular "office hours" to be available to parents.
Casey Students support the Bilingual Program by:- Demonstrating and communicating to others a value for bilingualism.
- Committing to do the work necessary to become academically biliterate
- Committing to work to their highest potential
- Acting as role models for second language learners of their native language.
- Committing to learn about and value their own and others' cultures
- Completing homework daily and taking advantage of Homework Help or after school language enrichment.
- Maintaining a positive attitude.
- Attending school regularly.
Casey Parents support the Bilingual Program by:
- Demonstrating and communicating to children a value for bilingualism.
- Providing a routine place and time for homework and review homework that's done
- Attending meetings to keep informed about the program and their child's progress.
- Discussing with their children in their own language the topics of daily instruction.
- Being willing to communicate with other parents by being part of a phone tree.
- Demonstrating a commitment to cross cultural awareness and a value for diversity.
- Maintaining an open relationship with teachers.
- Going directly to the source if there are complaints or problems.