The Spanish program at The Summit Preparatory School is aimed to immerse each student into the language and culture. Daily Spanish instruction across all grade levels enables students to excel at a fast pace. Beginning in Pre-Kindergarten, the teacher primarily instructs in Spanish while making use of many visual aids and body language to ensure comprehension. Students begin with the basics (alphabet, colors, numbers, etc.) and gradually develop their listening vocabulary. As grade levels progress, students continue to enhance their vocabulary while more complex grammar concepts are introduced. By the end of high school, students have established a significant vocabulary, conversational skills, writing skills, and a great understanding of Hispanic cultures. The Spanish program is designed to align to The Summit’s mission of making the learning process a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
When appropriate, Spanish is integrated into the curriculum of each individual grade level, allowing students to make connections to what they are learning in other subject areas. In each grade, multiple topics are covered both in the classroom and during Spanish time. Laptops are used in the classroom as a learning center, where students can play various games and activities. Additionally, each grade level has a designated weekly Spanish computer lab time. For reinforcement outside of the school setting, The Summit Spanish Web site includes numerous links to games and activities for all students and is organized according to grade level. This gives each student the opportunity to utilize his/her skills at home and serves as an alternative way to practice and strengthen Spanish proficiency in lieu of traditional homework.
The Spanish program is highlighted and supported outside of the classroom through a number of events, field experiences, and extension programs. The Summit’s yearly cultural night focuses on Latin America every third year. The entire Springfield community is invited to attend this event and catch a glimpse of how important the Hispanic culture and language are to The Summit. The Lower School student body attends a Hispanic Flamenco Ballet every spring, giving each student exposure to different forms of music and dance from a number of Spanish-speaking countries. During the summer months, The Summit offers a summer school program in which Spanish is available as a part of the curriculum. A variety of classes are offered to students and community members of all ages. This program is especially encouraged for those students who plan to attend The Summit in the upcoming year and have no Spanish background. During the 2010–2011 school year, an after-school Spanish program was implemented for Pre-Kindergarten students designed as enrichment to the Spanish classes offered during the school day.
The methods and techniques used to teach Spanish have reduced the need for worksheets, workbooks, and textbooks. These resources are beneficial and useful at times, but there are a number of alternatives to teaching Spanish that are more effective for The Summit Spanish classroom. A Total Physical Response (TPR) method is the primary type of instruction utilized in the Spanish curriculum. This method involves using actions and physical activities to stimulate both sides of the brain in learning a foreign language. Songs, games, silly chants, role-plays, gestures and physical movements are among the activities included in the program. Cooperative learning, hands-on activities, and projects are incorporated into the Spanish learning process. The teacher serves as the facilitator while the students create their own questions to ask one another in Spanish, organize activities, or play games that practice their conversational skills. Students are required to give oral presentations to the class and write paragraphs about topics being covered at the time. The level of difficulty varies depending on the grade level. At times, vocabulary worksheets are distributed to students in order to reinforce the spelling and visual recognition of new words. This recognition is also supported through orally reading Spanish books related to current topics. Useful games and activities related to the vocabulary for each grade level may also be found on The Summit Spanish Web site.
The Spanish curriculum and instruction are regularly evaluated by both teachers and students. The Lower School Director, Upper School Director, and other peer teachers visit the classroom each trimester and observe several Spanish lessons. They provide feedback as to what is effective and what needs improvement. Faculty members also have the opportunity to assess the Spanish program through the ISACS Constituent Survey. In the 2010–2011 ISACS survey, 94% of faculty members rated foreign language as “Excellent” or “Very Good.” In addition, throughout the year students provide input as to how the program can be improved through reflections and independent student performance. The outcome of these assessments serves as a valuable tool in determining the success of the program, guiding future decisions to strengthen Spanish at The Summit.
The objectives for The Summit Spanish curriculum are derived from the McREL National Standards. Various forms of assessments are given for each goal to evaluate each student’s performance. Formative assessments are conducted through oral exercises, auditory exercises, written exercises, observations, project work, and student participation. The teacher collects various pieces of student work from each individual, which represent the student’s level of success on certain goals. At the end of the school year, students, with input from the teacher, choose various pieces from these folders to place in their portfolios as well as select pieces to display at the academic fair and other school-wide events.
Lydia S.