BY BROOKE SMITH
The Dual Language programs at three Queens schools will soon become “models” for the rest of the city after receiving additional funding for multilingual instructional materials and staff professional development.
P.S. 16 in Corona, P.S. 166 in Astoria and I.S. 145 in Jackson Heights will be receiving the Model Dual Language Program that works to strengthen the rigor in classrooms, exposing students more than one language in all content areas as well as increasing the availability of curriculum materials and multilingual tech applications.
All three Queens schools will provide this program in Spanish, meaning that students will be exposed to the language in all subject matters — not just in a language class. Select schools in other boroughs will be receiving the program in one to four of the following languages: Spanish, Russian, Chinese, French and Hebrew.
Each school designated as a model Dual Language program will host visits from other school leaders and staff to share best practices and strengthen other schools’ existing or prospective Dual Language programs.
“Our division is committed to expanding Dual Language programs in all five boroughs of New York City public schools,” said Milady Báez, deputy chancellor for the Division for English Language Learners and Student Support. “The first cohort selected will serve as models in creating uniformity across the city on the essential components of Dual Language programs. Next year, we will be selecting the second cohort of Model Dual Language Programs. This initiative allows leaders from premier Dual Language programs to share their successful practices and work collaboratively with educators.”
The Division of English Language Learners and Student Support, a standalone office dedicated to supporting English language learners, selected the 15 Model Dual Language Programs based on their Dual Language education and school wide commitment to it, as well as classroom rigor and strong family engagement practices.
“When principals and teachers share effective strategies, it’s the students who benefit,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Dual Language programs offer academic rigor for students and the opportunity to maintain their native language while learning a new one and learning about diverse cultures.”
