PUSD Expands Academic Programs into Northwest Pasadena, Altadena

The PUSD Board of Education Tuesday discussed proposals to bring a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) magnet and a dual language immersion program to the Northwest neighborhoods of the district.

The popular Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program will expand to a second campus with the addition of a kindergarten class at Jackson Elementary School in Altadena in 2012-2013 and Washington Middle Schoolin Pasadena will convert to a STEM magnet school of choice in 2013-2014.

“Locating rigorous and innovative programs such as dual language and STEM in the Northwest communities articulates our high expectations of achievement for all students,” said Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. “Both build 21st century skills, help close the achievement gap between groups of students, and put the priorities and values of this district’s strategic plan into action.”

Washington Middle School will convert to a wall-to-wall magnet school in 2013-2014 and offer project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for students in grades six, seven, and eight.

The conversion is designed to prepare middle school students with 21st century skills and build their capacity for advanced STEM studies in high school, college, and beyond. The STEM magnet is also intended to develop a pipeline for the College& Career Pathways programs at district high schools. 2012-2013 will be a planning year to develop partnerships that tap into the Pasadena area’s scientific and engineering resources, systems for greater engagement by families, and professional development for faculty and staff.

Admission to the STEM academy will be by application, and any student entering grades 6-8 can apply. Parents and students will be asked for a firmcommitment to support the schools’ mission.

Chief Academic Officer Brian McDonald, Ed.D., has been meeting with middle school students as part of developing the proposal.

“The kids asked for academies that cater to their interests and prepare them to make choices later in their academic careers,” said Dr. McDonald. “Engaging middle school age students and listening to their desires for a meaningful learning experience is key to their academic success.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at San Rafael Elementary has built the bilingual and biliteracy skills of both native English and Spanish speaking students. The program at Jackson Elementary will open in Fall 2012 beginning with a kindergarten class and expand by one grade each year. Families interested in applying can contact Jackson Elementary or the PUSD Welcome Center at (626) 396-3600 ext. 88340.

The goal of the program is to develop academic proficiency in both languages beginning in kindergarten. Currently, the instructional model dictates that 90 percent of instruction in kindergarten is in Spanish and 10 percent in English.

With each subsequent year, Spanish instruction is reduced and English instruction is increased in equal amounts. By design, equal amounts of native English and Spanish speaking students are enrolled in each class.

English learners in dual language immersion programs have an opportunity to make faster than average progress on grade-level instruction that is not watered down. Native English speakers who are already learning at grade level can exceed the achievement of their monolingually educated peers.

Through the cognitive stimulus of schooling in two languages, which leads to enhanced creativity and analytical thinking, native English speakers who are lagging behind academically receive the accelerated instruction necessary to close the achievement gap.

Research indicates that there are lower high school drop-out rates for English learners enrolled in dual language programs as well as increased an interest in attending colleges and universities.

As students promote to middle school, they should be poised to earn credits toward being awarded the California Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma.