Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/426191
AEA Advocate x Winter 2014/15 25 Oftentimes in Arizona schools the focus on learning a language is to teach English as a second language. In a growing number of schools across the state and nationwide, students are receiving bilingual education in both English and a second language. "The Chinese Immersion program is the most exciting part of our schools right now," says World Language Teacher Ruth Jay. "This is the opportunity of the 21st century when we're helping children get prepared and that's what our school is all about." For the past few years, dual-language immersion programs have quickly grown from a few hundred to thousands nationwide. There are nearly 50 dual-language programs in Arizona public schools that include Spanish, Chinese, and Navajo. Paradise Valley Education Association member Ruth Jay has been teaching Chinese language classes at Whispering Wind Academy for several years and this year the school started its first dual-language immersion classes. The program is only offered for Kindergartners and first graders with plans to open it to Pre- Kindergarten and second grade next year. "It's best to start learning young. They are little and language acquisition is easy for them," dual-language PrograMS helP STudenTS and SChoolS CoMPeTe canvassed for the Glendale Union override, which passed. (5) Madison CTA picketed for the Madison bond, which passed. (7) Marana Education Association canvassed neighborhoods to let people know about Marana's override, which passed. (6) Tucson Education Association made phone calls in support of their school board candidate, who won her election. (8) AEA Retired members helped out in many local association efforts and had their own events to get out the vote. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time in support of pro-public education candidates and causes! 2 WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! • WE ARE AEA! ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ Continued on next page Whispering Wind Academy teachers Ruth Jay (left) and Megan Chen