Frequently Asked Questions

Dual Language Immersion Programs at Lorbeer Middle School

 

QUESTION: What is the difference between dual language immersion classes and “regular” language classes?

ANSWER: At the middle school level, incoming students enrolled in the PUSD Dual Language Immersion Programs have already reached at least an Intermediate Low level of competency (ACTFL Standards) in their target language (Spanish or Mandarin), and have reached a minimum of grade-level proficiency in English Language Arts (Common Core State Standards).The vast majority of our DLI students have been studying English and their target language since kindergarten, where instruction is split 50:50 between the two languages throughout their elementary experience. There is an expectation that DLI students will continue their target language education through both 7th and 8th grade, and continue on to the AP level in high school.

 

In contrast, “regular” language classes, such as Spanish I, are intended for beginning-level language learners. These classes introduce students to the basics and building blocks of reading, writing, and speaking, and, for those who may have some preexisting knowledge of the target language, to further their competence and confidence.

 

 

QUESTION: I’d like to enroll my child in Lorbeer Middle School’s dual language immersion classes (Spanish or Mandarin). What is the process?

ANSWER: If your child participated in the dual language immersion programs at Allison Elementary (Spanish), Westmont Elementary (Spanish), or Pantera Elementary (Mandarin), and has met qualifying criteria, he or she will automatically be enrolled in Lorbeer’s dual language immersion classes unless requested otherwise. If your child is coming to Lorbeer from a school other than Allison, Westmont, or Pantera, they will need to take a qualifying assessment. For more information on assessments, please contact Mr. Juan Ortiz at [email protected].

 

 

QUESTION: Is Mandarin taught in Traditional or Simplified Chinese characters at Lorbeer?

ANSWER: Mandarin teaching materials are available and presented to students in both Traditional and Simplified Chinese characters. Students select which form will be their focus of study.