Scores for Spanish speakers improve
Fourth-graders whose dominant language is Spanish continue to improve reading and writing skills even as they struggle with the daunting task of acquiring a second language. In writing, they pulled ahead from 31 percent proficient or above last year to 36 percent this year, only 2 percentage points below English speakers. In most large districts with bilingual programs, the Spanish-speaking writers outperformed English speakers. In reading, Spanish speakers edged last year's test-takers, but at 31 percent proficient or above, lagged behind the English speakers' state average of 63 percent. Boulder Valley, Brighton, St. Vrain Valley and Adams 14 districts are the brightest stars in helping kids achieve academic standards while they add English. Bilingual educators in Boulder and Adams County emphasized acquiring literacy in the mother tongue, then using that to break the code of the second language. 'The student who is transferring from a solid foundation moves very quickly,' said Jorge Garcia, director of Boulder Valley Schools literacy and language support services. |