FAQs

1.) Will my child learn the same skills as other children in public school classrooms?

Yes, Isaac Newton International Academy will teach the same standards developed by the California Department of Education that all classrooms in California are required to follow. Thus, children will develop the same reading, writing, math, science, and social studies skills as students in other public schools – but, unlike most of their peers, they will be able to demonstrate their knowledge in two languages by the end of their schooling. These same subjects will be taught using state approved textbooks. At the Academy, teachers will also strive to develop student responsibility for learning through a challenging inquiry-based framework. In addition to the continual challenge of two languages of instruction, your child will be learning lifelong learning skills, such as self-awareness, a love of inquiry, investigation and learning, and a respect for other cultures, both as experienced and as taught in the classroom.

2.) I don’t really understand what a 90:10 dual language program is.

A dual language program means that native English speaking and native Spanish speaking children are in the same classroom and are taught in both languages, with one language being the home language of each group and one language being a new language to learn. Teachers use a variety of different teaching strategies to make sure that second language learning students understand the content that is being taught. Also, students are grouped together and encouraged to practice their language with each other so that they have many opportunities to use and develop proficiency in both languages.

90:10 dual language programs provide kindergarteners with 90% of their day in Spanish and 10% in English. For each grade after that, students receive 10% less Spanish and 10% more English. Thus, first graders will have 80% of their time in Spanish, 20”% in English; second graders will spend 70% of their time in Spanish and 30% in English. All students will learn to read and write in both languages.

There are about 400 dual language programs in the US, and about 200 in California. These programs are very popular.

3.) How will my child learn to speak, read and write proficiently in English if they spend so much time in Spanish?

There is a lot of research showing that native English speaking children and native Spanish speaking children are both able to learn to speak, read, and write at grade level in both languages by the time they complete elementary school. The reason is that the reading, writing, and content skills they learn in one language are available to them in both languages. Information is not stored in separate areas of the brain marked for each language; instead, the brain can use information that was acquired in either language. In fact, we often see that students who attend a 90:10 program like this one do at least as well in their reading and math tests in English as their peers who only study in English. Your child will be transferring the structures, vocabulary and grammar from Spanish over to English automatically. The research which supports this fact is overwhelming. English will continue to be utilized and taught across all subjects, including Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies time. Your child is surrounded by an English speaking culture. The Academy encourages parents to support literacy activities in both English and Spanish at home.

4.) Will Chinese be confusing to my child in third grade? I thought it was a difficult language to learn.

Chinese is a difficult language to learn. However, children who have already developed some proficiency in two languages more easily develop a third language. There is research from other dual language programs that students can add a third language without confusing them in their learning of English and Spanish. The Chinese language will provide students with additional understanding of how different languages function; in this way, they will gain greater understanding of Spanish and English as well. At this age level, your child is able to develop some Chinese language skills by hearing it used by native speakers, as effective language learning can occur through natural human interaction. The instructors are experienced and will know what difficulties young learners will have, what to anticipate, what materials and aids will help make content understandable—and fun! The curriculum will be based in part on culture (a California standard), as language is tied in with culture. Teachers will strive to make language learning interactive and entertaining through games, dancing, chants and music.

5.) Why should I consider Isaac Newton International Academy over our neighborhood school?

There are several advantages of Isaac Newton International Academy. One is that your child will be able to speak, read, write, and understand all their subject areas in two languages. Thus, by fifth grade, INIA students could research a report on gravity by reading some information about gravity in English and some in Spanish, and then write and present the report in Spanish or English. Most students who attend schools only in English will not have the ability to read and write in Spanish, even if they can speak Spanish. Your neighborhood school may emphasize a rapid transition to English—this could be advantageous for some children. We offer a path of first language enrichment, while encouraging bilingualism and biculturalism. We also offer a small school atmosphere with smaller class sizes. We offer a challenging curriculum which strives to instill international values and international mindedness and a path to lifelong learning skills. We offer hands-on Science inquiry, and inquiry across all subjects. The advantage therefore, is whatever works or will work for your child. The key is to weigh all factors, to consider all options and make your decision on what best meets the needs of your child.

6.) How can I help my child in school if I don't understand the assignments in Spanish?

Parents will be given instructions about the assignments and homework, and will be provided information about how to help their children. Even if children are writing an assignment in Spanish, you can ask them questions about the material in English and help them think through the ideas in English before or as they write their assignment in Spanish. In addition, we will have homework clubs so that children will have access to a Spanish-speaking adult who can help the child with homework. We will also be organizing network parent support groups, whereby parents can hook-up with Spanish speaking parents. It is both a growing and learning process which will help you connect with your child, to feel gratitude for this multicultural world and for the challenges and benefits to acquiring a second language. Express a positive attitude for this process for the benefit of your child, as parental support is crucial. Try to seek “immersion activities” for both you and your child: movies (with Spanish text and/or sound), books, cultural events, travel, internet games, activities, recipes, experiences with native speakers, etc. Students who enter with no Spanish language are supported as needed during their transition to Spanish. This is a very fast learning period for students at this age.

7.) How will I know if my child is making appropriate progress in English and Spanish?

All students are required to take the state developed California Standards Test and students will also take other tests to monitor their development of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and critical thinking skills. In addition, assessments will occur in both languages to assure parents and the community that the students are making progress toward bilingualism and biliteracy.