Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it better for my child to start learning a language in elementary school?Research shows that exposing children to a second language at an early age stimulates the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We know from comparisons of the rates at which children learn to speak, that no language is intrinsically more difficult than any other language. Vocabulary grows from some 50 active words by 18 months to several thousand words by age five. The peak time for learning languages is when children are young. Children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are more likely to have native-like pronunciation. A number of experts attribute this proficiency to physiological change that occurs in the maturing brain as a child enters puberty. As with any subject, the more years a child can devote to learning a language, the more competent he or she will become. Back to TopWhat is Immersion?Foreign language immersion is a well-researched educational program in which part of the school's curriculum is taught using a foreign language. Students in language immersion programs achieve high levels of foreign language proficiency as well as overall academic performance, typically, at or better than students in English only programs. According to the Center for Applied Linguistics, in 2005 there were almost 320 immersion programs in the U.S. Back to TopWhat happens on the first day of school?Immersion teachers know that new students may not understand what is being said in the beginning. Thus, teachers use a variety of techniques to convey meaning. Immersion teachers may use many more gestures, facial expressions and the use of models and concrete objects to make students feel secure, comfortable and relaxed. The teachers will readily contact parents, as necessary, so any classroom concerns can be addressed immediately. Back to TopHow can I help my child with homework if I don't speak or read Chinese?The Chinese immersion teachers in all grade levels will make a conscious effort to explain thoroughly the homework assignments. In addition, each Chinese immersion teacher will be teamed with his/her counterpart who teaches the English portion of the program. Whenever necessary, depending on the complexity of the material, both teachers will send home an explanation of the homework and review the completed homework. Back to TopWill two languages confuse my child or hinder his or her English language skills?Learning two languages has not been shown to confuse children or hinder their learning. Extensive research studies have found cognitive and academic benefits of early bilingualism. The acquisition of language may not be consistent in both languages at the same time. By the end of the elementary grades, immersion students perform the same or better than students in English-only programs on standardized tests of measured English skills. The K-8th grade Chinese immersion program at Alice Fong Yu Alternative School outperformed their district results at all grade levels for English and Math. Back to TopCharter schools are public schools, designed to foster innovation, boost achievement and give educational choices to parents and students. Charter schools in Massachusetts serve over 20,000 students. Created by the Education Reform Act of 1993, the Massachusetts charter school movement is growing, parent satisfaction is high, and, on average, charter school students have outperformed their district counterparts on the MCAS tests. |
|
|
|
Academics >
FAQ |