The CP DLI program (grades K-1), which was in development for several years, follows a 50/50 model (50% English, 50% Spanish). It is based on the DLI model of schools in Utah, with K-5 science taught in the target language (Spanish).
CP does not have a Spanish-speaking science teacher, and the children in the DLI program did not receive Science Lab, a standard piece of K-5 curriculum across the district. A DLI parent found out about the situation a month into the school year. Concern was expressed to Priscilla Russel, Supervisor, World Language, ESL Bilingual; Dineen Gruchacz, CP Principal, and Betsy Kalber Baglio, CP DLI Parent Liaison and member of the PPS Board of Education, at a parent meeting (aka "cafecito"). The inquiry then extended to Steve Cochrane, Superintendent.
To date, no communiqué has been issued to families regarding the fact that their children did not receive science lab for several months. Some of these children are native-speakers who are part of low-income working families. Opportunity gaps for minorities in science exist nationwide; PPS is no exception.
The situation affected all of the Community Park school, from all classes in grades K-2 joining piloting an engineering program mid-school year, to a leave of absence of the experienced and beloved science teacher for the remainder of the year.
Below please find a timeline.
CP does not have a Spanish-speaking science teacher, and the children in the DLI program did not receive Science Lab, a standard piece of K-5 curriculum across the district. A DLI parent found out about the situation a month into the school year. Concern was expressed to Priscilla Russel, Supervisor, World Language, ESL Bilingual; Dineen Gruchacz, CP Principal, and Betsy Kalber Baglio, CP DLI Parent Liaison and member of the PPS Board of Education, at a parent meeting (aka "cafecito"). The inquiry then extended to Steve Cochrane, Superintendent.
To date, no communiqué has been issued to families regarding the fact that their children did not receive science lab for several months. Some of these children are native-speakers who are part of low-income working families. Opportunity gaps for minorities in science exist nationwide; PPS is no exception.
The situation affected all of the Community Park school, from all classes in grades K-2 joining piloting an engineering program mid-school year, to a leave of absence of the experienced and beloved science teacher for the remainder of the year.
Below please find a timeline.