Rock Hill, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Rock Hill Schools district has introduced a Dual Language Immersion Program aimed at enhancing bilingual skills among young learners. Starting in kindergarten, the initiative encourages students to study in Spanish or French, preparing them for academic success and global citizenship. With a curriculum covering essential subjects taught in both English and the immersion language, over 800 students are already enrolled. The program aims to cultivate well-rounded, competitive individuals ready for higher education opportunities and cultural integration.
Rock Hill
The Rock Hill Schools district has launched a Dual Language Immersion Program, allowing young students to engage in an educational environment where they can study in a second language. The initiative is designed to enhance bilingual skills and prepare students for improved academic opportunities and global citizenship.
The program begins as early as kindergarten, with the goal of enabling students to graduate with at least a minor in either Spanish or French. Sullivan Middle School Principal Jacqueline Persinski emphasizes the long-term advantages of this approach, stating that students participating in the program will complete eighth grade ready to enter high school with a significant number of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Assistant Director of Global Studies, Flor de Lis Morales-Torres, points out that early exposure to a new language significantly increases student proficiency. The curriculum encompasses a variety of subjects, including math, science, social studies, literature, and research, all taught in the immersion language while maintaining a balance with English instruction. More than 800 students at Cherry Park Elementary are currently enrolled in the program.
The program aims to not only make students competitive in their academic pursuits but also to enhance their skills in assisting others. One eighth-grade student, Collins McFadden, expressed enthusiasm about being bilingual and its potential benefits in situations like medical emergencies. This positive sentiment has been echoed by many students who are keen to learn and even share their knowledge with their families.
As students progress, they will have opportunities at institutions like Winthrop University, which serves as a potential pathway for further education. By blending cultures through language education, Rock Hill Schools hope to develop students into well-rounded global citizens equipped for a multilingual world.
The Dual Language Immersion Program involves teachers from various backgrounds, enhancing the learning experience through diverse cultural perspectives. For example, Claudia Notaro, originally from Ecuador, finds joy in teaching kindergarteners and is thrilled to witness their ability to quickly assimilate a new language. This immersive experience highlights a pedagogical approach that mirrors the natural way children acquire their first language.
As the program progresses successfully, there are plans for replication across additional schools within the district, broadening the reach of this beneficial initiative. The approach to language learning emphasizes real-world application and effectiveness, which helps to improve the academic performance of all students, particularly those who are native Spanish speakers.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Dual Language Immersion Program in Rock Hill Schools represents a significant step towards fostering bilingualism and enhancing educational outcomes for young learners. With a well-structured curriculum and qualified teachers, the program not only enriches student’s knowledge base but also prepares them for an increasingly interconnected and multilingual world.
FAQ
What age does the Dual Language Immersion Program start?
The program begins in kindergarten.
What languages are offered in the program?
The curriculum currently focuses on Spanish and French languages.
How does the program enhance student opportunities?
Students are expected to graduate with language proficiency that allows them to enter high school with multiple honors level classes and potentially AP courses.
How does the program support diversity?
The program employs teachers from diverse backgrounds to provide a rich cultural experience in language learning.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Age | Begins in kindergarten |
| Languages Offered | Spanish and French |
| Curriculum Focus | Math, Science, Social Studies, Literature, Research |
| Academic Pathways | Pathway to Winthrop University and AP courses in high school |
| Diversity in Teaching | Teachers from diverse backgrounds enhance the learning experience |
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Empowering Students through Language Immersion in Rock Hill Schools
- Wikipedia: Bilingual Education
- Post and Courier: Rock Hill Language Immersion Program
- Google Search: Dual Language Immersion Programs
- San Fernando Sun: Modern Bilingual Education in North Hills
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Language Immersion
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