Language Immersion Schools and Reading Levels

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child started immersion in preschool 3, with two years of full immersion. Now in first grade, she tests at T (fifth grade) for English, and M (early 2nd grade) for Spanish. I don't think that immersion has had any affect on her reading level in English at all, but I am very happy that she is starting to be Spanish-literate as well.

PP, I'm curious, how is her dual language school doing at meeting her needs? Is she grouped with other 1st graders at her reading level (if there are any at T level)? Or is she in a group with older kids? Do you worry about whether she's being challenged?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child started immersion in preschool 3, with two years of full immersion. Now in first grade, she tests at T (fifth grade) for English, and M (early 2nd grade) for Spanish. I don't think that immersion has had any affect on her reading level in English at all, but I am very happy that she is starting to be Spanish-literate as well.

PP, I'm curious, how is her dual language school doing at meeting her needs? Is she grouped with other 1st graders at her reading level (if there are any at T level)? Or is she in a group with older kids? Do you worry about whether she's being challenged?

They are doing a great job! There are many others at her level in Spanish, and they have brought in higher leveled books for English for her. They do a lot of paired reading with kids in different levels, so she helps the other kids out and then reads them a story. I have no concerns at all on that front.

She is also advanced in math, and that is slightly harder to deal with, but they are allowing supplemental materials from home. I'm sure that they would provide them themselves if necessary, but I enjoy finding them and working with her for a few minutes each week to introduce concepts, so why bother.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child started immersion in preschool 3, with two years of full immersion. Now in first grade, she tests at T (fifth grade) for English, and M (early 2nd grade) for Spanish. I don't think that immersion has had any affect on her reading level in English at all, but I am very happy that she is starting to be Spanish-literate as well.

I'm just curious--what were her tested reading levels in English and Spanish at the end of K?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

While there maybe a difference, being bilingual only has an advantage within a context. I'm bilingual and the only thing I actually use my native language for is watching tv shows and movies and occasionally visiting my native country and talking to my parents. That's it.

My kid attends an immersion charter and we send our kid there bc we think knowing the target language will be useful not bc we care about a "bilingual advantage". We are both bilingual but neither know the target language. The only common language in our house is English.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

+1. I'm so tired of having to answer questions from monolingual parents who don't seem to understand the benefits of bilingualism. It's the "we're all 'mericans, so we only need to speak English" attitude. Ugh!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

While there maybe a difference, being bilingual only has an advantage within a context. I'm bilingual and the only thing I actually use my native language for is watching tv shows and movies and occasionally visiting my native country and talking to my parents. That's it.

My kid attends an immersion charter and we send our kid there bc we think knowing the target language will be useful not bc we care about a "bilingual advantage". We are both bilingual but neither know the target language. The only common language in our house is English.

You're fairly ignorant about your own bilingualism. Probably because you take it for granted. Many do. It's no big deal to them. Please do yourself and your child a favor. Do some reasing on bilingualism and the cognitive benefits. It's a bigger deal than you think.

[Anonymous]

*reading

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

+1. I'm so tired of having to answer questions from monolingual parents who don't seem to understand the benefits of bilingualism. It's the "we're all 'mericans, so we only need to speak English" attitude. Ugh!!!

Another monolingual here. It gets very tiring explaining to monos why bilingualism is a priorty for our family. People actually treat me like I'm weird because DD is in Spanish immersion. It's gotten so bad that I don't even tell people. I never boasted about it, buit when I'd be talking to other moms about school programs it would come up. Now I just try to avoid talking about it. Sad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

While there maybe a difference, being bilingual only has an advantage within a context. I'm bilingual and the only thing I actually use my native language for is watching tv shows and movies and occasionally visiting my native country and talking to my parents. That's it.

My kid attends an immersion charter and we send our kid there bc we think knowing the target language will be useful not bc we care about a "bilingual advantage". We are both bilingual but neither know the target language. The only common language in our house is English.

You're fairly ignorant about your own bilingualism. Probably because you take it for granted. Many do. It's no big deal to them. Please do yourself and your child a favor. Do some reasing on bilingualism and the cognitive benefits. It's a bigger deal than you think.

So are you bilingual? I am bilingual and yeah, I don't find it a big deal nor do I think being bilingual had a big affect on my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child started immersion in preschool 3, with two years of full immersion. Now in first grade, she tests at T (fifth grade) for English, and M (early 2nd grade) for Spanish. I don't think that immersion has had any affect on her reading level in English at all, but I am very happy that she is starting to be Spanish-literate as well.

I'm just curious--what were her tested reading levels in English and Spanish at the end of K?

Kindergarten was full immersion, so they did not do anything in English, and I don't believe they tested in Spanish for anything other than sight words, which she always knew before the test. She could read Biscuit type books (F) at the beginning of the year and Frog and Toad type (K) near the end. Over the summer, she really spiked. Her English comprehension has always been amazing, so she just needed to get past a fluency hurdle when reading more complicated vocabulary. As for Spanish, she was a fluent reader by the end of Kindergarten, but comprehension remained (and remains). They brought in first grade Spanish books for her, which were at her level. I'm thinking there will always be slow and steady Spanish progress, as there is no fluency hurdle (Spanish is much easier to read) and she doesn't get anywhere near as much exposure to Spanish vocabulary as to English.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

While there maybe a difference, being bilingual only has an advantage within a context. I'm bilingual and the only thing I actually use my native language for is watching tv shows and movies and occasionally visiting my native country and talking to my parents. That's it.

My kid attends an immersion charter and we send our kid there bc we think knowing the target language will be useful not bc we care about a "bilingual advantage". We are both bilingual but neither know the target language. The only common language in our house is English.

You're fairly ignorant about your own bilingualism. Probably because you take it for granted. Many do. It's no big deal to them. Please do yourself and your child a favor. Do some reasing on bilingualism and the cognitive benefits. It's a bigger deal than you think.

So are you bilingual? I am bilingual and yeah, I don't find it a big deal nor do I think being bilingual had a big affect on my life.

Not the pp that you are responding to, but I became bilingual in my late teens and was extremely aware of the way in which it affected me. It made me have a much deeper understanding of my native language and language in general. It also helped me to understand how many different ways concepts can be viewed, as the there are not direct translations of many words and thus you have to rely on conceptualism instead of falling back on known vocabulary. Although I am now pretty rusty in my second language, I believe that bilingualism helps in many ways other than communication in that language.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are cognitive differences between monolinguals and bilinguals, but I think it's a stretch to regard one or the other as "superior" cognitively (although bilinguals have the language advantage, obviously).

Bilinguals are better at tasks requiring extended use of executive function; switching tasks, focusing attention, inhibiting external stimulus.

Monolinguals are quicker at word recall. But at a slightly greater risk of dementia.

If this was true, bilinguals the world over would be cognitively superior, which they clearly aren't. More students in other countries speak more than one other language, most children in African countries for example speak English as well as other language. There are so many issues involved, if you can learn two languages early great; however, it is more important to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the dominant language of the country you reside in. As others have also stated, it is important to learn the language outside the classroom. If learning a non-dominant language in the classroom was merely sufficient then ELL students would not be struggling at DCPS or nationwide, especially Latino students.

Spoken like a true monolingual. Superior might be too strong of a word but there is clearly a cognitive difference. Bilingualism is a tough concept to grasp in a monolingual society.

This. I'm a monolingual, but I "get it". This is because I lived in Europe for a long time where bilingualism was the norm. I was clearly at a deficit. Here in the States you face a lot of ignorant blowback from monolinguals who feel threatened by the idea that bilinguals have greater cognitive ability (as provided in research, ie. greater executive functioning, etc...). So, sometimes you have to just ignore them. The research speaks for itself.

While there maybe a difference, being bilingual only has an advantage within a context. I'm bilingual and the only thing I actually use my native language for is watching tv shows and movies and occasionally visiting my native country and talking to my parents. That's it.

My kid attends an immersion charter and we send our kid there bc we think knowing the target language will be useful not bc we care about a "bilingual advantage". We are both bilingual but neither know the target language. The only common language in our house is English.

You're fairly ignorant about your own bilingualism. Probably because you take it for granted. Many do. It's no big deal to them. Please do yourself and your child a favor. Do some reasing on bilingualism and the cognitive benefits. It's a bigger deal than you think.

So are you bilingual? I am bilingual and yeah, I don't find it a big deal nor do I think being bilingual had a big affect on my life.

That's because you're ignorant and living your life in a vacuum. Stop being so self-important and actually do some research. One of the biggest barriers to bilingualism is egocentricm.