Bilingual Education
As a parent, the only thing more amazing than watching your child progress from speaking single words to full sentences is watching your child do it in two languages.
Using research-based practices, EMHCS immerse students in a rich and authentic linguistic environment, fostering the development of bilingualism and biliteracy for ALL students. This constitutes huge benefits and gains for all types of students/ families; Spanish families looking for a balanced growth in both languages; bilingual families seeking to preserve and enhance their Spanish culture, language, and heritage and English speaking families wishing for their child to gain outstanding linguistic, cognitive and cultural benefits of this bilingual biliteracy environment.
Our strong belief in language learning requires us to offer Spanish Language K-12. EMHCS sees Spanish as one of our core subjects, requiring ALL students to take Spanish from K-12.
New York State Seal Of Biliteracy
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy is an award given by the school in recognition of students who attained proficiency in two or more world languages by high school graduation one of which must be English.
The purpose of the seal is to recognize high school graduates who have attained high levels of proficiency in all four modalities of language (Speaking, Listening, reading, Writing) in more than one language in addition to English.
The New York State Seal of Biliteracy honors the skills our students attain and can be evidence of the skills that are attractive to future employers and colleges.
K-2 Dual Language Program
EMHCS provides students with a 50/50 instructional model for these grade levels. Students will receive all their content classes (math, science, and social studies) in Spanish and English one day. Students receive literacy (reading and writing) in their native language. Spanish literacy instruction (SLA) for Spanish-dominant students and English literacy instruction (ELA) for English-dominant students. Additionally, English-dominant students will have a period of Spanish instruction every day, and Spanish-dominant students will have a period of English instruction every day.
Spanish Language Arts Grades 3-12
Students are instructed through a rigorous curriculum developed by our own faculty under the supervision and advice of the Bilingual Coordinator. The curriculum mirrors the New York State modules and follows all the state requirements for bilingual education.
World Languages Spanish 3-12
This is a special track for those students more than 2 grade levels behind in the Spanish language or students that come from a school district where they never received language instruction. While students receive instruction in all four modalities, this track is centered more on vocabulary and grammar building than basic reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Students on this track must complete the mandated NYS checkpoints A, B, and C with a mastery of 85% or higher to qualify for the NYS Seal of Biliteracy. Students in grades 3-6 will use the curriculum Descubre Listos and students in 7-12 will use the curriculum Encuentros.
English as a New Language
English as a New Language (ENL) used to be named English as a Second Language (ESL).
Instruction in this program emphasizes English language acquisition. In an ENL program, language arts and content-area instruction are taught in English using specific ENL instructional strategies. Some content area classes are integrated ENL classes. Students receive core content area and English language development instruction, including the use of the home/primary language as support and appropriate ELL instructional support to enrich comprehension.
Certified ENL teachers teach integrated ENL classes. In addition, students may receive instruction in a stand-alone format. In a stand-alone ENL class, students receive English language development instruction taught by an NYS-certified teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to acquire the English language needed for success in core content areas. Our School follows the Unit requirements on CR Part 154 K-12.
Yolexis Vanegas
Bilingual Coordinator
Being bilingual has several benefits, such as:
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Positive effects on the brain: speaking a second language can mean that you have a better attention span and can multitask better
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Educational advantages: those who speak a second language are more likely to be less distracted and more focused on tasks
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Economic Edge: additional languages on a resume could have an application moved to the top of the pile and give the applicant a better chance at getting the job, even if he/she isn’t as qualified as another monolingual applicant
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Health benefits: bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
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Open-minded outlook: you see the world in different ways
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At home in the world: Being able to communicate with the locals and immerse yourself in the language and culture can make your travel experience so much more enjoyable
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Social adeptness: more opportunities to meet new people and enjoy different hobbies and activities
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“One language sets you on the corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” –Frank Smith.
Bilingual Education at Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School
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Elementary School (K-6):
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K-2 Dual Language Program
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3-6 Spanish Language Classes (World Language Spanish for new language learners & Spanish Language Arts for native speakers)
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Pathway Certificates to NYS Seal of Biliteracy at Kinder, third and sixth.
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Middle School (7-8)
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7-8 Spanish Language Classes (World Language Spanish for new language learners & Spanish Language Arts for native speakers)
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Pathway Certificates to NYS Seal of Biliteracy in 8th grade
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High School (9-12)
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9-12 Spanish Language Classes (World Language Spanish for new language learners & Spanish Language Arts for native speakers)
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NYS Seal of Biliteracy designation at graduation
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