Saturday, February 06, 2010

Bilingual Programs Get Honor From State

By Elaine D. BriseÑO
Journal Staff Writer
          The state has recognized three elementary schools in Rio Rancho and one in Bernalillo for their "strong" bilingual programs.
        Ernest Stapleton, Rio Rancho and Vista Grande elementary schools and Carroll Elementary in Bernalillo are among 32 schools across the state being honored by the New Mexico Public Education Department for their success with English Language Learners (ELL).
        The schools' bilingual programs have been successful in helping those students inch closer to becoming proficient in English, math and reading, according to an education department new release.
        Schools were selected based on students' scores on the Education Language Proficiency Assessment and Standards Based Assessment tests. The education test measures students' proficiency; the standards test measures performance in math and reading.
        Anglo students typically outscore their peers. But in some cases, Rio Rancho Elementary has seen its ELL students surpass other students, including Anglos, on the Standards Based Assessment.
        Patricia DiVasto, assistant principal at Stapleton Elementary, said her school met state standards in 2009 because all students, including ELL students, had improved their proficiency in math and reading. Vista Grande saw its ELL students make gains in reading in 2009.
        Bernalillo Public Schools' Principal Keith Cowan said he believes the school has a strong program.
        "Lessons are modeled, providing opportunities for practice," he said in a news release. "Students also have opportunities to expand their learning in our wide array of after-school programs, such as violin and guitar, the Mariachi Group, danza folklorico, weaving, traditional cooking, sewing and athletics."
        Superintendent Barbara Vigil-Lowder said students can take an active role in learning by setting their own educational goals and charting their own progress.
        "Students are valued and teachers are enthusiastic, innovative and passionate about teaching and learning," she said in the news release. "These are the perfect ingredients for success."
        All the schools were recognized by Veronica Garcia, the state education secretary, at the Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 27 during the Legislature's Bilingual Education Day.
        "It's nice to get recognition for all the hard work that has been done in the classroom," said Kim Vesely, spokeswoman for Rio Rancho Public Schools. "It's a recognition for all the hard work teachers are doing — and it's making a difference for kids."
       

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