Q: What does immersion mean and how is it different from regular French instruction?
A: Immersion means that children receive more than just French lessons. The new French immersion program will be a 50/50 immersion: Half the time, children will receive instruction in French, the other half they will receive instruction in English. They will learn French, but they will also learn other subjects while using French (example: doing math in French). Any subject other than English Language Arts can be taught while using French.
Q: How many children will be selected for the French immersion program?
A: Because this is a pilot program, two Kindergarten classes will receive the program, with 22 students each.
Q: What will the school day look like for children in the French Immersion program?
A: We will use a team teaching approach: one French speaking and one English speaking teachers will take turns teaching each class. For example, Class A will have the French teacher in the morning, then Class B will have the French teacher in the afternoon, switching with the English teacher.
Q: Will my child learn less of the core material because of the French?
A: Children will receive the same basic curriculum as other children in Kindergarten. They will learn all the same concepts.
Q: How will children be selected for the French Immersion program?
A: Classes are formed using a lottery system. Parents must apply for the lottery. Applications are due May 13-June 3, 2013.
Q: How do I apply?
A: You can apply at Evansdale. A paper application will be available starting Monday May 13th at the school. You can also get the paper application at http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoiceYou can also apply at the Dekalb Central Office on May 15 and May 21 9-12am and 1-2pm at 1701 Mountain Industrial Complex, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Lab 102
You can also apply online via http://eportal.dekalb.k12.ga.us. Please note that the online system is not easy to navigate. If you apply online, you need to take your documentation to the school or to the central office.
A: The paper forms are available in Spanish. Evansdale will hold a special application day on May 16 for parents who prefer to speak Spanish. We will have Spanish speaking staff available to assist you on that day from 8 until 11am.
Q: What are the days and times I can apply if I do it at Evansdale?
A: Between May 13 and May 24, the office will be staffed from 7am until 3:00. Please be patient particularly around 7:45am during the morning arrival, and after 2pm when children are being dismissed. Office staff may not have time to answer your questions. The school will not be open on Memorial Day, Monday 27th. The summer schedule for the office has not been finalized. Please check this webpage again soon for updates.
A: It does not matter whether you apply early or later in the application period between May 13 and June 3. However, it is always best not to wait until the last minute to make sure you have time to complete everything. You must return the paper application and supporting documentation to Evansdale by June 3. You can also take your application and documentation to the Dekalb Central Office Administrative and Instructional Complex by June 3.
Q: What supporting documentation do I need?
A: You will need to show proof of your child’s age (birth certificate) and proof of residence (utility bill, mortgage, lease, or affidavit – note that a phone bill is not sufficient). If your child is currently attending PreK at Evansdale, you need to bring only a proof of residence.
Q: I am in the process of buying a home and do not have a proof of residence yet. How do I prove eligibility?
A: Contact Ms. Wells at rhona_l_wells@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us if you have concerns.
Q: When will the lottery be held?
A: The lottery date is set for June 12, 9am, at the Dekalb Central Office. Parents may watch the drawing if they like.
Q: When will I find out who the teachers are?
A: The English teacher will be selected from existing teaching staff, the French teacher will be hired. Teachers and class assignment will be announced at Open House, not before.
Q: Why is this program being started – what are the benefits?
A: Research evidence shows that children who study a foreign language early:
A: Evansdale was chosen in part because of the tradition of teaching French. But it is also a valuable language to learn. It is a world language, spoken in many countries around the world. Learning to listen and speak the sounds of French is great training for learning other languages, particularly since the sounds and speech pattern of French are very different from English, and it is particularly good for children to learn these sounds early on. As a language based in Latin, it teaches many grammar rules that help understand languages in general. French helps build vocabulary skills (many challenging words in English have a French origin).
Q: Is it right for my child?
A: Immersion programs work for children from many different backgrounds. Children with learning disabilities can also learn a different language, particularly if the disability is mild. But it depends on the child – some learning disabilities might make it difficult for a child to learn their first language, and adding a second may be difficult, but it depends on the child. If you have concerns, and think your child needs special education, talk to the counselor.
Q: Is it right for children who are still learning English?
A: Yes! English language learners can learn a third language as well. They may have an advantage over children who know only English, because they already know how to think about language. Children with limited English skills also will be on equal footing as their English speaking classmates for half the day when they are working on learning French. This will give English language learners more chances to feel successful than in an English-only classroom.
Q: What about next year? Will I need to enter the lottery again?
A: Once selected, children stay in the program as long as they attend Evansdale. So the following year, we will have two kindergarten and two first grade classes learning French.
Q: What about the regular French program? What about the magnet program?
A: Evansdale no longer has magnet classes that receive more intensive language instructions. French will still be offered for other, higher grades, two times a week for 30 minutes, which is more than the previous French exposure for the non-magnet classes. Right now it is not possible to say which grades will receive French, since we won’t know the number of classes and the school’s exact budget for a while. Stay tuned!
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