Spanish Total Early One-Way Program

Spanish Immersion Education is a teaching approach where children learn Spanish naturally by being immersed in the language throughout their school day. In a Spanish immersion classroom, teachers use Spanish to teach regular subjects like math, science, and reading, so children are learning both the language and the content at the same time. This method is similar to how children learn their first language—they pick it up through everyday activities, interactions, and listening.

The goal of Spanish immersion is for children to become bilingual, meaning they will be able to speak, read, write, and understand both Spanish and English fluently. Beyond language skills, immersion also helps children develop a deeper appreciation for other cultures, while studies show it boosts critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Immersion programs are especially effective because they start early, when children’s brains are most receptive to learning a second language. If you’re looking for a way to give your child the gift of bilingualism and the many cognitive, academic, and social benefits that come with it, Spanish immersion is a wonderful choice.

We believe in Language Immersion Education because it is one of the most effective ways to foster bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding in young learners. Research consistently shows that language immersion students develop strong language skills in both their first and second languages while performing as well as, or better than, their peers in traditional programs on standardized tests. The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA) highlights that “immersion students achieve higher levels of second-language proficiency than those in traditional language programs and perform at or above grade level in academic subjects taught in the second language.” Furthermore, Roy Lyster, a leading researcher in immersion education, emphasizes that "immersion programs provide a rich linguistic environment where students can develop second-language skills without compromising their first-language development."

Immersion education also delivers significant cognitive and social benefits. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) notes that bilingual children demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills, memory, and mental flexibility. Additionally, Tara Fortune from CARLA stresses that "language immersion during the critical period of early childhood supports higher-level cognitive functions, such as the ability to focus attention, multitask, and apply creative thinking." Research by Thomas and Collier (2012) further confirms that students in dual-language immersion programs outperform their peers in English reading and math by middle school, showcasing the long-term academic benefits of immersion.

Beyond academics, immersion education equips children with critical skills for a globalized world. Fred Genesee, another prominent researcher in bilingual education, states that "immersion programs prepare students for a global society by promoting advanced language proficiency, cultural competence, and academic excellence." These programs not only allow students to learn a second language but also prepare them to thrive in multicultural environments, equipping them with lifelong skills for academic, social, and professional success.

At Rockford Public Schools, our Spanish Immersion Program is designed to build strong bilingual foundations during the early grades.

Key Features of Rockford Public Schools' Spanish Immersion Program

• Full Spanish Immersion in Early Years: From Kindergarten through 2nd grade, all instruction is delivered entirely in Spanish to maximize language acquisition during the critical early learning years and to create an immersive environment where students develop Spanish language skills naturally while learning core subjects. 

• Gradual Introduction of English: Starting in 3rd grade, English phonics and literacy instruction are introduced to support the development of reading and writing in both languages. 

• Progressive English Integration: Beginning in 3rd grade, English instruction is gradually increased by 15 minutes a day each school year, balancing language development in both Spanish and English over time and allowing students to strengthen their English skills gradually while maintaining a strong emphasis on Spanish proficiency. 

This carefully structured approach ensures that students achieve fluency and literacy in both languages, setting them up for long-term academic success and bilingual competency.

North Rockford Middle School provides a robust Spanish Immersion program that builds on students' elementary immersion experiences and prepares them for high school.

Spanish Offerings at North Rockford Middle School

• 6th Grade:
  • Social Studies: Taught entirely in Spanish to build both content knowledge and language skills.
  • Spanish Language Arts: Focuses on literacy development in Spanish, including reading, writing, and grammar.
• 7th Grade:
  • Spanish Language Arts: Continues to develop literacy skills in Spanish through engaging and challenging content.
  • Exploremos 7: A cultural and language exploration course that expands vocabulary and cultural understanding.
• 8th Grade:
  • U.S. History: Taught in Spanish to deepen historical knowledge while strengthening Spanish fluency.
  • Exploremos 8: Builds on cultural and linguistic knowledge with more advanced topics and projects.
• Special Opportunity:
  • Language Immersion Trip: Students have the chance to participate in a cultural immersion trip to Costa Rica, offered every other year, to experience the language and culture firsthand. This opportunity allows students to apply their language skills in real-world settings and gain a deeper appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures. 

These offerings ensure that students not only maintain their bilingual abilities but also grow in confidence, cultural awareness, and academic success as they prepare for the challenges of high school and beyond.

From 9th to 12th grade, Rockford Public Schools’ Spanish Immersion Program offers an increasingly advanced curriculum to deepen students’ fluency and literacy in Spanish.

Offerings for 9th–12th Grade in Rockford Public Schools' Spanish Immersion Program

• 9th Grade:
  • World Studies (2 trimesters): A chronological study of major historical events, taught entirely in Spanish, to enhance content knowledge and language skills.
  • Language Essentials (1 trimester): Focuses on Spanish grammar and literature to develop biliteracy in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• 10th Grade:
  • Spanish Immersion 10 (2 trimesters): Focuses on more complex communication and cultural understanding while strengthening communication skills in Spanish across speaking, reading, writing, and listening, with an emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, and culture.
• 11th and 12th Grades:
  • Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language (3 trimesters): Prepares students for college-level Spanish and the AP exam, offering potential college credit.
  • Dual Enrollment with Ferris State University: Allows students to earn a Spanish minor through advanced coursework like Hispanic Cinema and Contemporary Culture. These upper-level courses not only prepare students for college and career opportunities but also foster critical thinking through advanced topics. 
• Opportunities to Learn a New Language:
  • Students who wish to expand their linguistic skills further have the option to study additional languages, such as Chinese, French, or German, alongside their Spanish immersion coursework, offering even greater academic and professional opportunities. 
• Immersive Travel Opportunities:
  • Cultural trips to Spanish-speaking countries, such as Costa Rica, Peru, and Spain, are offered every other year to enhance real-world language use and build cultural appreciation. These trips provide invaluable real-world experience with the language and culture they have studied. 

 These offerings ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in bilingual and multicultural settings.

Options for Entering Program

Option 1: Through Sibling

2025-2026 SI Pre-registration: November 1–December 20, 2024

Families who currently have enrolled Spanish Immersion students are eligible for the sibling registration. Sibling registration begins on November 1, and ends December 20, 2024, at 4:00 pm. To register this way, families must:

1. Email Completed Spanish Immersion Sibling Registration Form for Kindergarten
   this is not your registration / enrollment for Kindergarten
2. Email the following documents to jbradley@rockfordschools.org:
   • Birth certificate
   • One (1) proof of residency*
     *Acceptable Residency Documents: Current utility bill within the last month, mortgage statement, lease agreement (signed by landlord and tenant), City Assessor’s Tax Statement (current year).

If the pre-enrollment form is not submitted by December 20, 2024, at 4:00 pm, late submissions will be added to the in-district lottery.

Option 2: Kindergarten New Family Lottery

New student lottery begins Monday, January 6, 2024 and ends on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 4:00 pm.

Interested RPS resident families must email the following documents to jbradley@rockfordschools.org:

1. Completed Spanish Immersion Pre-Registration Form for Kindergarten for the SI Lottery.
   This is not your registration / enrollment for Kindergarten.
   
2. Birth certificate
3. One proof of residency*
   *Acceptable Residency Documents: Current utility bill within the last month, mortgage statement, lease agreement (signed by landlord and tenant), City Assessor’s Tax Statement (current year)

All forms will be given a letter when you receive an email response. These letters will be used for the lottery.

• Each application is time stamped.
• We will not accept any applications after March 28, 2025 at 4:00 pm.
• You will receive a confirmation of receipt email within 48 hours of submission during business hours from January 6, 2025 – March 28, 2025.
• Confirmation email will also contain your Lottery Letter.

If the pre-enrollment form is not submitted by March 28, 2025, by 4:00 pm, late submissions will be added to the end of the waitlist after we have had the lottery.

Option 3: Waitlist for Grades K-5. 

Grades 2-5 must currently be in a SI program or be a native Spanish speaker. 

New students interested in Rockford’s SI Program need to fill out the Spanish Immersion Waitlist Form

If we have openings in your child’s grade level we will reach out to you to see if you would be interested in joining our program. We will set up an appointment to evaluate your child’s Spanish speaking skills to help with correct classroom placement.

Lottery Process

A random lottery will be conducted with a RPS administrator mid April 2025 after DK / K Screening takes place. An Administrative Assistant will notify parents by phone or email of their lottery placement once the lottery is complete. Parents may inquire about the results the day after the lottery has taken place after 10:30 am.

Those who receive notification that they are on the waitlist will be informed of their place on the waitlist. In order to remain on the waitlist, the student must remain a resident in the RPS attendance area.

In Rockford Public Schools, Spanish Immersion students are assessed using the AVANT STAMP Proficiency Test to measure their Spanish language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This assessment aligns with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines which are widely recognized standards for language proficiency.

The ACTFL Proficiency Levels (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) describe language proficiency across five main levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Superior, and Distinguished. Each level is further subdivided into Low, Mid, and High stages (except for Superior and Distinguished). Here are their key attributes:

1. Novice

• Novice Low: Can produce isolated words and phrases; limited understanding; relies on memorization.
• Novice Mid: Can communicate using simple phrases and predictable exchanges on familiar topics.
• Novice High: Can handle short conversations about basic needs but struggles with more complex language.

2. Intermediate

• Intermediate Low: Can create sentences to describe familiar topics and handle simple tasks.
• Intermediate Mid: Can maintain simple conversations, ask and answer questions, and express basic needs.
• Intermediate High: Can sustain conversations on a variety of familiar topics and deal with some unexpected situations but may lack precision or flow.

Once Intermediate High is achieved in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, students are able to enroll in Dual Enrollment with Ferris State University and are able to receive their Seal of Biliteracy through the State of Michigan.

3. Advanced

• Advanced Low: Can narrate and describe events in past, present, and future; conversations are clear and organized.
• Advanced Mid: Can participate in detailed discussions on various topics and adapt language to different contexts.
• Advanced High: Can handle most professional and social conversations with ease, though occasional breakdowns may occur with complex ideas.

These proficiency levels not only guide students’ placement in immersion programs but also demonstrate their progress toward achieving biliteracy and bilingualism, helping them earn distinctions like the Seal of Biliteracy and preparing them for future academic and professional success.

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

The Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious recognition awarded to students who have demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages by the time they graduate high school. This seal acknowledges their bilingualism and biliteracy, which are valuable skills in today’s global society.

Benefits of the Seal of Biliteracy: 

• College Credit: Many colleges offer credit for demonstrated language proficiency.
• Career Opportunities: Opens doors to jobs requiring bilingual skills in industries like education, healthcare, and international business.
• Recognition of Cultural Appreciation: Validates your ability to navigate and appreciate diverse cultural perspectives.

How to Earn the Seal of Biliteracy:

To qualify, students must:

• Demonstrate Proficiency in English: Typically achieved through standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or state assessments.
• Demonstrate Proficiency in a Second Language: Measured through language proficiency tests such as:
  • AVANT STAMP or AAPPL Proficiency Assessments.
  • Students must reach at least an Intermediate High level (aligned with ACTFL standards) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.