Stonebrae's Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program

 

 

Overview

The Stonebrae Mandarin Immersion Program started in 2007–2008 school year.  We offer a 50/50 instructional model from kindergarten through 6th grade.  Students spend half their day learning in English and the other half learning in Mandarin.  

Vision

We are preparing our students to be linguistically competent and culturally sophisticated in making business or government transactions internationally in the global economy of the 21st century.

Program Goals

The goal is acquisition of academic proficiency in two languages: English and Mandarin, together with mastery of academic core content and multicultural proficiency.  Instruction is in Mandarin and English.  The program will give students an opportunity to become bi-literate and bi-cultural.  Using Mandarin and English as the vehicle of instruction, students will be able to communicate effectively in both languages and to achieve academic proficiency that meets or exceeds the State Standards in all academic areas.

Why Dual Language Immersion?

Language learning is natural for young children, and childhood is the ideal time to develop ease of expression and native-like pronunciation in a second language.  For over 30 years, research in Canada and the United States has documented the impressive development of second language fluency and academic achievement of children in immersion programs.  At the same time, immersion students have maintained and enriched their native language and literacy skills.

Why is it Beneficial?

Research shows that developing two languages during the elementary school years, students will have opportunities to:

• Have a positive effect on intellectual growth and cognitive development.
• Improve understanding of his/her native language.
• Develop positive cultural identity and understanding of other cultures.
• Increase job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
• Develop a lifelong ability to approach problem-solving from multiple perspectives.

Who can enroll in this program?

• Does your child need academic challenges?
• Do you value biliteracy, bilingualism, and diversity?
• Do you want your child to have a linguistic edge in tomorrow’s job market?
• Are you willing to make a long-term commitment to the Mandarin DLI program?

If you answer “yes” to these questions, then this may be the program for your child!

For the 2013-2014 school year, Stonebrae Mandarin Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program is accepting registration for grades Kindergarten to 6th grade. Any child entering after 1st grade will need prior knowledge of Mandarin and will be assessed to determine appropriate program placement.  Native Mandarin speakers are encouraged to enroll.  The school principal, along with the input from the District ELL department, will have the final determination on enrollment for the program.

Registration

Parents interested in enrolling their children in the Stonebrae Elementary School Mandarin Dual Immersion Program should contact Stonebrae Elementary School principal.  Registration for the program follows district procedures, including Open Enrollment and Inter-District Transfer.  Transfer requests are available for students living outside the Stonebrae attendance area.  Space is limited and there is no guarantee that every child will be admitted.