New York City Schools will add bilingual programs at 38 schools next fall, continuing its aggressive expansion of programs to serve English-language learners and other families who want their children to be literate in more than one language.
The expansion includes 29 dual-language and nine transitional bilingual educational programs in 36 schools. Two schools are opening two programs: one campus will have two dual-language programs, in Spanish and Chinese; another is opening a dual-language and a transitional bilingual education program in Spanish.
In dual-language programs, lessons are taught in English and a second language, with the goal of students becoming fluent in both. In transitional bilingual education programs, students receive instruction in that language with intensive support in English.
The new programs will include instruction in Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Arabic, Polish, and Spanish, depending on the school site.
Roughly one in seven students in the 1.1-million student system is an English-language learner.
“As a former English language learner, I know that a strong education makes all the difference, and these new bilingual programs will give students the foundation to succeed in the classroom and beyond,” said schools chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Through their participation in these programs, students will learn new cultures and parents will be welcomed into classrooms in different ways.”
Federal Title III funds will cover the cost for the programs. The city’s department of English-language learners and student support will lead the effort, which will feature new programs in each of the five boroughs.
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