K-2:  Bilingual learning is available to our students that have a primary language other than English.  In our district, the main focus historically has been the Spanish language.  We have one bilingual classroom in each grade K-2 where students learn to speak, write, and read in Spanish.  Studies have shown that students that learn to read and write in their primary language are more successful when learning to do so in another language.  As such, the focus in K-2 is mastering the abilities to read and write in Spanish so that when the students transition to English language classes in third grade they are more successful and ready.  The students use Spanish translated parallel texts to what their peers are using.  The only exception is in ELA where students use Caminos which is a parallel text to CKLA but is different with regards to supplemental texts and books as they are authentically Spanish books instead of just translations.  Additionally, students that don’t need or don’t qualify for our bilingual classrooms but have been identified as needing support receive them from a primary teacher with an ESL certificate.  These teachers have taken extra coursework to give them the skills and understanding on how to work with ESL students.

3-8:  Students will utilize English-only texts for all learning in grades three through eight.  The only exceptions to this are for students that are newcomers or whose language scores show a strong need for translated documents.  In these cases, we have Spanish-language texts available for the students that need them.  We do not grade students on their ability to read and speak English but rather we continue to grade them, like their peers, on their academic abilities.  It is our job to support them, in whatever language necessary, to truly see their academic abilities.

M289 is a TBE (Transitional Bilingual Education) Full Time school. This means students qualifiying for programming will generally receive full-time ESL support and bilingual supports. Students may qualify for part-time TBE programming based certain criteria. At Mendota Elementary part-time TBE can be earned for The following reasons:

• Students that score about a 3.5 on the literacy composite of the ACCESS test (grades 2nd-8th)

• ,Students that are not proficient in their native language and parents confirm English is their primary language spoken at home

• Students whose grades, teacher recommendations, or local assessments from the previous year show the student is at or above grade level in one or more core subject areas (Reading, ELA, Math, Science, or Social Studies) that were taught only in English

• Students whose IEP identifies TBE Part-time as the least restrictive option

• Parental preference