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发表于 2005-2-23 11:57
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Language Programming
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Research has shown that children who study a second language
6 Q; U6 E: X4 n4 A/ ddo better in school. For many parents, making the choice to enrol their children in a second langauage program is also about preparing them to be good global citizens, gaining a broader perspective on
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0 n' M- A' R5 e9 ~0 v( WTo provide parents with these options for their children, Edmonton Public Schools offers French Immersion programs, along with seven bilingual language programs in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Hebrew, Spanish and Ukrainian and 10 second language course offerings. In today’s global society, the barriers of space are disappearing. Learning a second language is another way that children can be introduced to another country’s culture, and according to parents enrolling children in a bilingual or immersion program, it just makes good sense. Learning another language also gives students an advantage in both academic and career success.
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The Ukrainian International Bilingual Program is one of the oldest language programs offered by Edmonton Public Schools. It originated as a heritage language program to preserve and extend a culture that was important in the development of the province, but the focus has changed to more of an international perspective.! |' D$ \6 h) w( X/ f8 e& [
: `0 d6 U$ V, p# T" b5 p9 u" T7 x) z“We look at what we can do with another language in the world and how we can connect with other Ukrainian speakers,” says Rod Kostek, principal of Holyrood School, one of four schools in the district where Ukrainian is offered. “Students in the program meet or exceed achievement expectations and have an increased capacity to appreciate and understand other cultures and ways of life.”
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The positive impact of language education has been well documented. Students learning a second language show gains in both verbal and nonverbal intelligence, improvements in divergent thinking, and enhancement of memory and listening skills. Their achievement results on standardized tests in core subject areas improve, as do their skills in their first language. This supports research that shows learning a second language creates superior English skills, a fact supported by 25 years of district results. Students also exhibit an enhanced ability to learn more languages.
1 l f( X& H" }6 m: s3 {An opportunity to study Spanish was extended to elementary students in 2001 when Escuela Mill Creek became the first International Spanish Academy in Edmonton, one of only two in Canada. Students in the program take language arts, math, art, physical education and health in Spanish. This program will grow until it encompasses kindergarten to Grade 12, allowing the students to obtain educational credentials from both Alberta and Spain. “The language combined with the culture has enriched this school and made it a more vibrant place,” says Mike Beaudoin, principal. “It’s brought new staff, a host of new families interested in their children’s education
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9 b3 n- S) v$ p' N1 @4 Q3 XBeaudoin notes that about half the students at the school study Spanish. Of these, only half come from a Hispanic background. “Learning Spanish provides access to the language and traditions of at least 20 different countries around the world,” he adds.; c6 ^0 ]6 t7 @
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Offering American Sign Language (ASL) as a second language in high schools is making the world a far more deaf-friendly and accessible place for the significant number of people who find it both necessary and preferable to communicate in ASL. Moreover, several career opportunities exist for those students who are fluent in ASL. Students at Queen Elizabeth School are very enthusiastic about learning ASL. “Many got involved because of their future career aspirations, and others felt compelled to learn ASL to increase their ability to communicate with the deaf community,” says Kirk Ferguson, ASL teacher at Queen Elizabeth School.
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' d: `+ }- w9 b! X; SLearning any second language opens a world of opportunities. Students in language programs can also participate in exchanges with students in other countries. They have an increased ability to enjoy travel or the arts.
0 x/ O6 B E& \7 @* OGrade 8 students studying German at Allendale School can build their German language skills through an opportunity to participate in an exchange trip to Germany. High school students are in a position to write the Sprachdiplom, which is recognized in Germany and allows students to pursue post-secondary educational opportunities there. , e0 A4 X; r; V. b, Z
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“German is one of the world languages,” says Brigitte Werner, a member of the International Languages consulting team. “Students who know German have a greater appreciation for music and philosophy and expanded career and travel options.” , X: G G6 e/ E* v5 C1 C, `1 ~( k8 h
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The district has expanded their second language offering to include Punjabi as of this year. The course is offered at Meyokumin School at kindergarten and Grade 1, with a planned expansion to Grade 3 for this fall.* x2 D& l8 x# m5 Z' V3 ]3 k
* r4 ?! i6 I, U! n3 oThere is evidence that having a second language contributes significantly to economic and career potential as employers look for people who can live and work in other countries or communicate with an increasingly diverse customer or client base. Students trained in a second language exhibit greater cross-cultural skills and awareness. They adapt to varying cultural contexts and exhibit greater cultural sensitivity.
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The growing awareness among parents and students of the value of second language learning is evident in the 36 per cent increase in French Immersion Kindergarten enrolment since 2002.
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y- t/ g% p3 Q8 l$ s4 IFor all the reasons mentioned above, language learning gets top marks among parents of Edmonton Public Schools’ students. Parental involvement and support of language programming is an important reason for their success. w9 \7 b8 N0 i1 B. h- A" l
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Because of the recognition of the importance of second languages, Alberta Education will require all students registering in Grade 4 to begin six years of second language study in September 2006. Edmonton Public Schools is well placed to accommodate this initiative. |
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