What about the VAC? |
It would be a shame for VAC to be changed, but I have a feeling that all the countywide programs are slated for sunsetting or some kind of change just because they are not "regional." |
It seems likely they would keep the Einstein VAC but add another location somewhere upcounty. |
when is this going to happen? |
More info comes out later this month. They want students to be able to apply starting in January for programs starting next fall. We'll see how many programs are ready to go by then. |
No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact. |
I assume I would have heard if this were on the table but does anyone have any insight about whether MCPS might ever consider expanding the language immersion programs to include a h.s. component? |
That wasn’t brought up specifically but is something families could mention they desire. |
Moving it to another location would basically mean starting from scratch. The decades of experience of the program and the staff involved likely won’t just move. No one in their right minds would do that and destroy the program. |
By the time kids get to high school, do they really need immersion anymore? |
Also look at how many kids graduate with the MD Seal of Biliteracy without getting busses all over the county for immersion elementary and middle school programs |
Easy to do when your home language is not English and you take courses in that language in HS. Not just talking Spanish, here. |
Ugh, you just know they will get rid of the most successful magnets (e.g., RMIB, Blair) in place of regional programs that are much worse (e.g., Kennedy). Those who care about this should write it now, becuase it sounds like it's being finalized this month. |
Interesting, does that seal actually mean very much then (as an indicator of bilingual ability?). Whether a high school component is needed depends on your goals, but to truly keep up a language to fluency level it is pretty important to continue immersive experiences in some capacity. I think other immersion programs around the county often have a high school component but I guess I’m not super up on the details. I understand that the immersion programs already have equity issues which might make expanding them vertically unpopular, but if we look at the time and resources MCPS is spending on these programs at the ES and MS levels, I think it makes sense to consider the long term goals of the programs and whether they are lost if abandoned too early. |
I wonder if there is a way to execute a two-way immersion program in high school? Might be easier to pitch with the dual benefit of serving English-speakers who want continued immersion and Spanish-speakers who would benefit from having some classes in Spanish? But I agree with others who say that if this is important to you, weigh in quickly-- maybe sign up to testify about it at the next board meeting? |