Bilingual Buddies: Dual Language Elementary

It's not your typical elementary school; no, there is something a little more exciting going on inside the walls of Westview Elementary.

"Right now we offer a K-6 dual language program," said Meagan Dawson ('96), Principal of Westview Elementary and graduate of Woodring's Master of Education program. "In the beginning, I think some people didn't necessarily understand why there was a switch to dual language at the school; but more and more are recognizing the importance of a program like ours. Each year the wait list gets longer; this last year, for example, we had 80 families interested in only 55 spots."

"We are the only school in Skagit County that offers this program from K-6 (another school in Skagit County offers K-3) ," continued Dawson when talking about the challenges of operating a dual language school, "so we have to go a long way just to talk to another institution that has experience with how we teach. As a result, we've had to work through a lot of the process on our own, but have come through it and are offering a great experience to our students."

Westview, which operates under the 50-50 Gomez Model of dual language education, first started admitting children into their K-1 program during the 2004-2005 academic year; as a class graduates to the next grade, a new kindergarten dual language class is enrolled in their place. In two years, Westview's entire K-8 program will have transitioned into the dual language format where science and social studies are taught only in Spanish, math in English, and reading and writing in both languages.

"There is a lot of emphasis put on cooperation within the classrooms," Dawson continues. "Students are paired with a native speaker of the other language, or a 'bilingual buddy.' As these children learn the material for the lesson, they work on projects as a team...it is designed so they are mixed with a student whose native language is different than their own, so between the two of them one has a full understanding of the content, and they don't get stuck. They have to rely on each other to determine things like what order to put words in, or how to write the title of a paper."

Marsha Riddle Buly ('82), an Associate Professor of Education at Woodring who studies bilingual education emphasizes that dual language programs offer students, and their families, an opportunity to connect with another culture in a way not possible through other means.

"What's most exciting is that when you walk into a program like the one at Westview the biggest difference you see is that the students feel the knowledge they bring from home is valued," explains Dr. Riddle Buly. "Students begin to view their language and culture as a resource for others."

Dr. Riddle Buly expands on this idea by saying that while traditional bilingual students (those who speak one language at home, but are taught another at school) may be able to understand a second language conversationally; they may not be able to read a textbook and learn in another language. The world is multicultural, so students learning in a dual language format are learning to communicate with the world.

This sense of cooperation the students feel may be a factor leading to the significant decrease in discipline problems at Westview since its evolution to dual language. Involvement by parents has likewise seen a spike; in addition to the classrooms becoming dual language the specialist, teachers, and office staff at Westview have also become bilingual, offering a level of trust, service, and communication not previously present to students and families, particularly those of Spanish speaking communities.

"Parents have to decide for themselves if having their child in a dual language program is beneficial; it depends on their values," concluded Dawson. "If they are looking for a school setting where all the children come from similar backgrounds, then maybe this concept isn't the best fit. However, if they want their children to be learning from diverse students and their families, speaking phrases of their second language in the 2nd grade, and understanding deep academic concepts in their second language by 5th grade, then the dual language program opens up a whole new set of opportunities for their child's future."

Want to learn more about the dual language program at Westview Elementary? Make sure you watch the videos above, or read the articles in the Snohomish County News section of the Seattle Times and Western's award winning Klipsun Magazine.

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Helping Fund the Next Generation of Teachers

Samantha and her family with faculty mentor Warren Aller, Chair of our Educational Administration program, at the scholarship award presentation. Photo: Carole Morris

"I still can't believe it...I adore kids and I love being around them and teaching, and coming from nothing like I have, coming from a third world country, I don't think I would have been able to afford college. This just really means a lot!"

In early July Samantha Probadora was awarded a once in a lifetime scholarship. Thanks to someone she had never met, she was going to be able to go to college; the second student who needs to send a "thank you" note to Western Board of Trustees member, and former President and CEO of REI, Dennis Madsen.

Intended to help a top high school student from Washington State become a teacher, the Inspired for Teaching Excellence Scholarship covers all tuition and fees during the duration of a student's studies at Western. "This state needs quality educators more than ever," said Madsen, who previously funded a similar scholarship in 2007 to Western Junior Andy Michel. "It's so important for our young students who have a passion for teaching to be supported. I can't think of any other profession which affects future generations like teaching."

"First and foremost, I offer this scholarship because I want to support Woodring, and I've been out there looking for other ways, and other people, to give back to student scholarships. But when my dad passed away we decided it would be a great opportunity to help another student with what he left, so we decided to offer another Inspired for Teaching Excellence Scholarship."

Madsen, whose daughter and sister both became teachers after studying at Woodring College of Education, is hopeful others will also help fund scholarships for deserving high school students who desire careers as public school teachers.

"Truthfully, I didn't find out about the scholarship until the weekend before it was due," admitted Samantha almost embarrassed by the notion. "I cancelled all my plans and dedicated myself to completing the application. I walked in Monday morning with my mom and turned in my packet personally."

"This is just such an opportunity, it is so rewarding just knowing I am going to be going to college in general, and then to know Woodring is going to be my second family. It is pretty amazing because I don't necessarily have an extended family here in the area otherwise."

Samantha, who was born in the Philippines, moved to Whatcom County while in elementary school. While there was a language barrier when she first arrived, she became active in a variety of sports and clubs which helped her become accustomed to her new life. "In the Philippines, there are a lot of political wars and religious conflict, and my dad was a police officer...so first coming here, and now being awarded this scholarship...it is the typical American dream!"

By the time Samantha was in high school a friend had introduced her to Rebound of Whatcom County and the Ray of Hope Camp, an organization which offers life-skill classes which help kids deal with hardships in healthy, positive ways. Since her freshman year, Samantha has volunteered every summer at these camps, and credits them for her passion to teach.

"I think I really want to work with the younger kids when I become a teacher, and I love math and science so I am leaning towards going in that direction as well. But I can't thank Mr. Madsen enough; he's amazing, and a very generous man...he has given me a life and a choice that I don't know if I would have been able to have any other way."

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Students Helping Students, Mentoring at Woodring

Kelly and Ciarra relax during the scavenger hunt on one of the many outdoor scuptures around the WWU campus. Photo: Bill Lay

men·tor [men-tawr, -ter]
-noun
1. A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
2. An influential senior sponsor or supporter.
-verb
3. To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher to (another person).

When you think about the word "mentor," what comes to mind? A friend? A colleague? Do you picture that person who has helped you achieve your goals and make the right decisions? Regardless of who your mentor is, they are sure to have encouraged you, given you feedback, and were there when you needed them.

But what about mentors in college? When you first got to Western, was there someone to turn to on campus who wasn't a professor? Someone to tell you which classes to take and which instructors were out of this world? Was there someone there to help you become settled outside the walls of the Miller Hall? Well, if you were at Woodring today, you might find that individual.

"I first became involved with mentoring at Woodring through the Future Woodring Scholars program," said Kelly Barefield, a Woodring senior studying Special and Elementary Education. "It's a really important program because it matches older students with younger classmates. It allows freshman and sophomores to get the inside details they might not otherwise have access to; details that can help them not just get into the programs at Woodring, but can also make them better teachers down the road."

The Future Woodring Scholars program identifies students demonstrating outstanding academic achievements in high school and a desire to pursue a degree in the Woodring College of Education. Scholars who elect to participate will engage in an enriched first-year of activities to make connections with faculty and staff, while gaining academic opportunities in Education.

"This past year as an upperclassman I was lucky enough to be matched with Ciarra," Kelly continued, "and from the beginning we had a great relationship. Beyond the fact that we have become great friends, and we are actually now roommates this year, I know I also helped her in an academic setting as well. I was there to help make a connection that assisted her in getting into a class she needed to take."

Now entering her second year at Western, also with an interest in Special and Elementary Education, Ciarra Weaver appreciates everything Kelly has given, "she was there for me from the very beginning! She told me she wouldn't let me fail, she called me up and came to my dorm, she helped me with my application to Woodring; I really appreciate everything she has done!"

"Being a great mentor means being a good role model, not just saying "yes" or "no," but letting someone know what they can achieve. That is exactly what Kelly has given."

"It can take a lot of time and effort to be a good mentor, but it is what I really want to be," Kelly elaborated. "When I first started at Western, and when I was in Ciarra's place, I wanted to make that connection with someone on a personal level, so that's exactly what I have tried to offer from the beginning. The best part is that by giving as much as I can I have gotten so much in return."

Future Woodring Scholar Dana McGarr, center, and other students with their student mentors during an icebreaker activity. Photo: Carole Morris

As we all know going to college isn't just about academics, it's also about all the social activities that come along with being in Bellingham. As part of the mentoring program headed by long-time Woodring instructor Bill Lay, activities were planned to help students become friends outside the classroom. Planned functions in the past school year included an art therapy night where mentors and mentees could get together during a busy time of the quarter to relax and just have some fun creating art, as well as a group scavenger hunt with clues that led groups to the buildings and famous sculptures all around campus.

"The scavenger hunt was so fun," Ciarra explained. "We ran everywhere, we never walked, Kelly kept telling me I could catch my breath later."

Ciarra continued by mentioning she felt Woodring is one of the tightest knit communities on campus. She believes that even outside her relationship with Kelly, from her very first day she felt like she was part of a family where everyone is willing to help, give advice and offer direction.

"I know it sound cliché, but kids are our future. The joy you get from bringing happiness to another person is better than anything I can imagine," concluded Ciarra when she talked about why she is part of the Woodring community.

Kelly added, "I want to be a teacher because I've seen a lot of people out there that don't believe in our generation; I want to be the one that never gives up on the "bad kids," but instead encourages everyone to learn and take the next step in their lives."

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