Natrona County School District

Dual Language Immersion Program

What is Dual Language Immersion?

The least expensive and most effective way to teach children another language.

A rich bilingual experience that teaches children another language when they are developmentally best able to acquire a second language.

Instruction is divided into two high quality creative classrooms: Half the day is taught in English, the other half is taught in a second language.

Students learn content areas, such as math and science, in the second language.

Who will develop the program?

Because of the foresight of Ann Tollfeson and Dr. Mark Mathern Wyoming is a member of The Language Flagship Consortium.

The consortium provides a free “language in a box” access to its members.

The consortium has already worked out the bugs and glitches to create a successful language program.

Language in a Box!

Why do we need Dual Language Immersion?

Students acquire second language skills.

Enhanced Cognitive Skills.

Improved Performance on Standardized Tests.

Students will be more marketable in the global market.

Increased Global and Cultural Awareness.

Students will have new doors open to them that would otherwise be closed.

When do we want to implement DLI in Natrona County?

There will never be a perfect time for the implementation of DLI.

Governor Matt Mead wants to see DLI started. He mentioned this in his State of the State address.

Natrona County School District has the opportunity to lead the state in DLI education

Implement a Mandarin and Spanish program in the fall of 2013.

There are many passionate parents involved in getting DLI into the county.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mohandas Gandhi

Requests

1. To be able to send out Request for Proposals (RFPs) to elementary schools interested in starting a DLI program.

2. To create a waitlist for a Spanish and Mandarin program that will begin in the fall of 2013.

Wyoming Dual Language Steering Committee Members

Jennifer Deurloo

Nohora Groce

Kelly Hornby

Lupe Lore

Brandee Mau

Mark Peterson

Shawnna Punteney

Ann Tollefson

Thea True-Wells

Discussion