When you think of public schools in Arizona, you often assume English is the primary language students are taught, with foreign languages being optional. However, this isn't the case with Squaw Peak Elementary, where the students are taught both English and Spanish in an effort to prove the importance of bilingualism. Half of the school day’s curriculum is taught in English, while the remaining half is taught in Spanish. Although many parents support the bilingual curriculum, it doesn’t sit well with some parents who feel schools in America should be English only.
"There's a lot of research that shows children have a window of opportunity to grasp language. I think why wouldn't you take advantage of that," says parent Renee Sandler Shamblin, who supports the curriculum.
Due to the window of opportunity, where children can easily grasp a second language, the students are taught Spanish as young as Kindergarten. Students are taught social studies and reading art in English, while science and math are taught in Spanish.
"In our model students spend 50 percent of their time in English and 50 percent in Spanish," says principal Faith Burtamekh.
Although many parents support this bilingual curriculum, many parents oppose it, which is in large part due to SB 1070, the Arizona immigration law. A current law even prevents teachers from using Spanish to communicate with non-English speaking students. Many parents feel students should only be required to speak English because Spanish is a foreign language.
"Spanish is obviously not so foreign. It surrounds us here in Arizona. I think it is important but I chose this program because of the process of learning another language," says parent Monica McQueen, who feels all Arizona schools should implement a similar curriculum.
Teacher Ana Contreras says, "It's really a gift that we are giving them. There's a world of opportunities that lay ahead of them. Not just traveling but as they grow older and job opportunities as well."
Comments