Dual Language Immersion Educational Fair at Saint Sebastian School

In Los Angeles, a city where over half the family households speak a language other than English, the need for a formal education in two languages is invaluable. Catholic schools have always been sensitive to the needs in their respective communities and offering language immersion programs is the next step in moving our students to a successful future.

On January 23, 2016 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., St. Sebastian and All Souls World Language Catholic Schools will co-host a Dual Language Education Fair at the St. Sebastian campus in West Los Angeles. These landmark dual language immersion programs in Spanish- English and Mandarin-English that reinvented Catholic school education are gaining increased interest.

Highlighting the fair will be panels featuring speakers discussing the benefits of bilingual learning on brain development and learning as well as the role of dual language immersion programs in Catholic Schools. Panelists will be comprised of education and learning experts from UCLA, LMU, Villanova, Harvard, and The University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education English as a New Language Program. Speakers include:

• Dr. Kevin Baxter, Superintendent of Los Angeles Catholic Schools, presenting on The Future of Dual Language Immersion Education in Catholic School

• Dr. Xavier E. Cagigas, Director of UCLA Cultural Neuropsychology Initiative, presenting on Benefits of Bilingualism for Development in Children

• Dr. Olga G. Moraga, Director of Bilingual Bicultural Programs at Loyola Marymount University, presenting on Two-Way Immersion Programs: Support from Home

• Ms. Carrie A. Fuller, Principal at All Souls World Language Catholic School and Ph. D. candidate from Boston College, presenting on Curriculum Instruction and Leadership at the School Level

• Mrs. Patricia S. Harty, M. Ed, Dual Language Implementation Specialist, presenting on Culture is an Asset

The Dual Language Education Fair is not all about learning, the fun also unravels with a mariachi band, food sales, and other family events. LA librería, an independent book store specializing in authentic texts from publishers in Latin America and Spain, will be selling books in Spanish.

Dual Language Immersion is trending across the country and we’re inviting anyone interested in learning more about how Catholic schools are responding to the challenge and making history with their unique, rigorous curriculum. This trend is not surprising given the popularity and proven success of dual language immersion programs. That, along with the already-challenging Catholic school education, gives students a very innovative learning experience. Research shows that having multiple language skills enhances a student’s academic and social abilities. Being bilingual – or multilingual – not just helps students as they enter the workforce, but it also bridges understanding of different cultures.

“Many of the students who come to our schools in the Los Angeles area are non- English speakers,” said Patricia Harty, Dual Language Implementation Specialist for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, “Instead of forcing kids to forget their native tongue, we’re using their home language as an asset.” In a program that combines formal academics with languages spoken at home, we’re giving today’s students the necessary tools to navigate the unsure future with a solid education model, proven to be very successful. Because of its success rate, this type of education model isn’t only appealing to families of Spanish speaking backgrounds, it’s also appealing to families who recognize the benefits of raising their children to be bilingual.

The implementation of a successful immersion program is data-driven and research- based. Having a panel of experts from various prestigious universities as personal contacts and supporters, ensures that students in Catholic immersion schools are receiving an

education based on the most recent developments in the field of bilingual education. Well- implemented immersion programs are among the most impressive systems of education available in the U.S. Students participating in these programs gain grade level academic competence, well-developed literacy skills, and cross-cultural understanding.

If you’d like to attend the Dual Language Education Fair on January 23, 2016, an RSVP is requested by January 16. The Fair will be held between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at St. Sebastian School, 1430 Federal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025. To RSVP, please contact Scott Higdon at St. Sebastian School at (310) 473-3337 or visit the school’s website at www.saintsebastianschool.com.