ALMA

Benefits of Dual Language

• Prepares students for a global economy
• Provides students with more choices
• Students can earn college credit in MS & HS
• Higher academic achievement for both ELLs and mainstream students when compared to their peers who receive English only instruction (Thomas & Collier, 2012)

ALMA Goals

• Meet or exceed state assessment standards
• Develop high levels of proficiency in their first language
• Develop high levels of proficiency in a second language
• Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors

What is currently in place?

• Holmquist (K-4) Opened Aug. 2009
• Phase 1 - Collins, Horn, Liestman, Rees, Smith (K-3)
• Phase 2 - Alexander, Bush, Landis, Martin (K-2)
• Phase 3 - Youens (K-1)& Miller (5-6)

What's working?

• 12 ALMA teachers of the year
• Collaboration (70 hrs of PD)
• Oral language development
• Academic achievement
• Showcases

Fluency Results

• Grade 3: 37% FES & FSS
• Grade 4: 65% FES & FSS
• Grade 5: 69% FES & FSS

State Assessment Reading Results

• Grade 3: 89% met std.
• Grade 4: 84% met std.
• Grade 4: 92% met std. in writing
• Grade 5: 90% met std.

Showcase

Our Challenges

• Attrition
• Class size
• Bilingual certifications

Future of ALMA

• Program of choice (AIMS, AECHS, Kerr HS)
• Accessible to all within seven elementary campuses
• Two options to address challenges
• Branding/ Marketing Campaign

Option 1: 2016-17 Consolidation

• Downsize from 11 elementary campuses to 7
• Alexander relocated to Liestman
• Collins relocated to Bush
• Holmquist relocated to Rees
• Smith relocated to Landis
• Transportation provided

Accessibility Plan

• Bush: Collins, Chambers, Sneed
• Horn: Best
• Landis: Smith
• Liestman: Alexander, Heflin, Hicks, Kennedy, Mahaney
• Martin: Boone, Cummings
• Rees: Holmquist, Petrosky, Hearne
• Youens: Chancellor, Outley

Option 2: Phase-out

• Allow students to finish all grades (4th/5th) at home campus over time
• Cease to open future Kindergarten cohorts at Alexander, Collins, Holmquist, Smith

Thoughts, Discussion and Recommendations