Dual Language Program
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The Huntington School District dual language program has been created and organized following the guidelines established by the Office of Bilingual Education of the New York State Education Department. Classes are comprised of native English speakers and Native Spanish speakers. The goal of the program is for both groups to become bilingual and bi-literate by the end of fifth grade. The students are taught literacy and all content areas in both languages by a certified bilingual teacher trained in second language acquisition. Instruction is delivered in the language of the day, which alternates daily.
The current dual language program in Huntington began at the kindergarten level in 2002 at Southdown Primary. In 2003, the program expanded to Jefferson Primary. In 2006, the first cohort moved up to Woodhull Intermediate. It expanded to all schools on the elementary level in September 2008. Each year a new kindergarten cohort is organized for each one of the four primary schools.
Parents of dual language program students are also encouraged to learn the second language along with their children. Weekly English and Spanish language classes are provided to assist parents with homework as well as to develop conversational skills. A monthly parent meeting is held to share pertinent information regarding dual language issues and to allow parents to ask questions and network with each other. A program newsletter is distributed to all parents every other month and is posted on the district website.
The district also hosts a year-end event for dual language program students and parents, where food, dance and music are shared.
Latest News
February 25, 2010 Dual Language Winter Fiesta Draws Crowd
A night of good food, friends and fun was enjoyed by a crowd of more than 400 that turned out for this year’s dual language program winter fiesta in the Huntington School District...full story>>
November 10, 2009 Dual Language Grads Soar on State Spanish Exam
The first cohort of students to complete the restructured dual language program in the Huntington School District notched a 100 percent passing rate on the state Spanish proficiency exam...full story>>