Dual Language Learning in the MSD of Lawrence Township
Written by: Andrew Pillow
In a recent episode of the Dual Language Education series for Keep Indiana Learning, Educator Barnes caught up with Dr. Sean A. Smith, Superintendent of Lawrence Township Schools, to discuss their Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program.
The DLI program in Lawrence Township began almost 30 years ago with the establishment of Forest Glen Elementary. Initially a small-scale initiative, it has now expanded to include three immersion elementary schools: Forest Glen, Sunnyside Elementary, and Sussex Township. The program was initiated to promote bilingualism and biculturalism, inspired by the community’s diverse background, including its military history at Fort Benjamin Harrison.
Why Spanish?
The program focuses on Spanish due to the significant Spanish-speaking population in the region. Given the increasing need for Spanish speakers in the United States, this choice has proven prescient. Today, the program is robust and continues to grow, fostering bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students.
“Recruiting bilingual teachers is crucial, involving partnerships with international organizations and consulates, and sometimes traveling abroad to find qualified educators.”
Implementation and Logistics
Maintaining a successful DLI program involves a clear understanding of its goals: to develop students who are bilingual, biliterate, and culturally adept. The program’s structure supports this by gradually increasing the percentage of instruction in Spanish from kindergarten through high school. For example, in kindergarten, 80% of instruction is in Spanish, which decreases to 50% by grade four.
Recruiting bilingual teachers is crucial, involving partnerships with international organizations and consulates, and sometimes traveling abroad to find qualified educators. Interestingly, some teachers in the program are former students who have returned to give back to their community.
Middle and High School Transition
As students progress to middle and high school, the immersion model shifts to a more subject-specific approach. Classes like social studies and science are taught in Spanish, while maintaining English instruction. This cohort model ensures students continue to develop their language skills together.
Support Systems
Supporting students who may struggle with the language is a key component of the program. Additional after-school programs, parent language classes, and in-school support systems ensure that all students can succeed. Similarly, new teachers are given cultural and logistical support to help them acclimate to their new environment.
“Studies show bilingualism enhances cognitive abilities and academic performance.”
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges of implementing a DLI program is overcoming the misconception that it undermines English proficiency. On the contrary, studies show bilingualism enhances cognitive abilities and academic performance. Financial considerations are also addressed through district funding, community partnerships, and fundraising efforts.
Success Stories
The success of Lawrence Township’s DLI program is evident in its students’ achievements. Many graduates have gone on to prestigious careers, utilizing their bilingual skills in fields such as medicine, government, and education. The program’s academic rigor produces some of the district’s top students, underscoring the benefits of bilingual education.
“What I love about the dual language immersion program in Lawrence Township is how our students become bilingual and biliterate, receiving a very rigorous education from native speaker teachers who come from different parts of the world,” said Gema Camarasa, a Lawrence North Immersion Teacher. “Therefore, students are not only learning a second language, they are learning cultures and traditions, and they are becoming global citizens, little by little, from kindergarten to senior year.”
This is a sentiment echoed by students who have come through the program.
“Through this program I learned Spanish to such a degree that I am very proud to be bilingual and biliterate, and I am even more excited about how I will be able to use Spanish in my future,” says Henry Ising, an alum of the program and Lawrence North’s 2024 valedictorian. “After college, I am looking forward to possible bilingual employment and I intend on one day sharing the language with my future children.”
For districts considering a similar path, Lawrence Township offers a compelling model of success in fostering bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware students.
Check out this lesson plan courtesy of 2nd grade Spanish Immersion teacher, Jennifer Perez.
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