Preliminary Report of Parental Motivation

Here is the preliminary report written by Verónica Loureiro-Rodríguez who is from the University of Manitoba and is in the Department of Linguistics.

Spanish immersion in Winnipeg? ¿Por qué no?

1. Introduction
In the last six years, Canada has experienced a dramatic increase of 32% in its
Spanish-speaking population. The 2011 Canadian census registered more than 439,110
people with Spanish as their mother tongue, 8,825 of whom reside in the province of
Manitoba, making Spanish the third largest non-official language in the country
(Statistics Canada, 2012). As a result of this remarkable growth, a new interest in the
Spanish language has emerged, and with it, a local initiative to create Winnipeg’s first
Spanish immersion program.

Recent research shows that immersion programs are a successful educational
approach for both majority and minority language students (Barnett, Yarosz, Thomas,
Jung, & Blanco, 2007; Howard, Christian, & Genesee, 2004; Howard & Sugarman, 2007;
Lindholm-Leary, 2001, 2005; Shannon & Milian, 2002; Thomas & Collier, 2002). It has
also been shown that minority language students enrolled in immersion programs reach
academic and linguistic goals at higher rates than those in non-immersion programs
(Howard & Sugarman, 2007; Lindholm-Leary, 2001; Lindholm-Leary & Block, 2010;
Shannon & Milian, 2002; Thomas & Collier, 2002).

2. Parental motivation: Why does it matter?
But, why are parents choosing immersion programs? Do all parents share the
same priorities? Or do parents differ in their reasons based, for example, on the language
they primarily speak at home, their own linguistic abilities, their educational level or their
income? The growing popularity of dual language education makes it necessary to
examine the reasons that parents articulate for choosing these programs. Finding out
Preliminary report on parental motivation parents’ expectations and motivations will help us better understand to whom immersion programs are really serving and what matters to parents who choose them (de Jong & Howard, 2009; Parkes, 2008). Furthermore, this information will be valuable for student
recruitment purposes, as well as for delineating language program goals (Parkes, 2008;
Whiting & Feinauer, 2011).

Research carried out in the United States suggests that there are many factors that
influence parents’ decision to enroll their children in dual language programs, such as the
cognitive and academic benefits of bilingualism, the promotion of children’s self-esteem
and self-worth, and the maintenance of the heritage culture (Craig, 1996; Kemppainen,
Ferrin, Ward, & Hite, 2004; Lao, 2004; Lindholm-Leary, 2001; Monzó, 2005; Shannon
& Milian, 2002). In Canada, research on immersion programs has traditionally focused
on French language proficiency (Genesee, 1987; Lambert & Tucker, 1972; Shannon &
Milian, 2002; Swain, 1981; Wright, 1996), not on parental motivations. However, results
from research carried out by the Canadian Council of Learning indicate that the majority
of parents choose to enroll their children in French immersion programs for instrumental
reasons, that is, because they believe that being proficient in French will open up career
opportunities for their children.

3. The Spanish Immersion Program initiative: A look at parents’ motivations
One of the tools the proponents of the Spanish Immersion Program have been using to
promote their initative is a Facebook group called Winnipeg Spanish Immersion. More
than 200 parents have joined this group. In September, I distributed an online survey
among these parents. The survey consisted of a sociolinguistic and demographic
questionnaire and an open-ended question about motivations for enrolling their children
in the Spanish Immersion program. At the end of the survey, I solicited volunteers for a
follow-up interview. As of October 29th, 2013, 35 parents have completed the survey,
and I have interviewed 15 of them.

3.1. Preliminary results.
3.1.1. Demographics

In the great majority of these families, one parent is originally from a Spanish-speaking
country and the other is from Canada, with the latter one being an English speaker. Not
surprisingly, English is the primary language in 97% of these households. About 35% of
the Spanish-speaking parents speak or try to speak only Spanish to their children.
Most of these families have two children of school age. Forty percent of the
mothers and 92% of the fathers are employed full-time. Half of the parents hold a
professional or graduate degree, and 25% of them have a college degree only.

3.1.2. Main reasons for enrolling their children in a Spanish immersion program
The main reason why parents would like their children to attend a Spanish
Immersion program is to give them the opportunity to remain connected with their
heritage, and to ensure that their children are able to communicate with their monolingual
Spanish-speaking relatives. The second reason parents mentioned was for children to
acquire academic skills in Spanish. These parents want their children to grow up not only
speaking Spanish, but also reading and writing it. It is their hope that, after graduating
from high school, their children are proficient enough to attend university in a Spanish speaking
country. Parents also value the global importance of Spanish and the job
opportunities that knowing such a widely spoken language would bring to their children.

3.1.2. Other topics and issues
During the interviews, the following topics and issues were addressed.
1. The majority of parents are open to the possibility of cohort classrooms
2. They would like for the school to offer as many hours in Spanish as possible, and
hope their children to learn about the linguistic and cultural diversity of the
Spanish-speaking world
3. Parents are excited about contributing to the program with their cultural and
linguistic knowledge.
4. A few parents suggested to conduct follow-up interviews or hold frequent
meetings once the Spanish program is running to answer questions and address
any issues or concerns that may arise.

References
Barnett, S., Yarosz, D., Thomas, J., Jung, K., & Blanco, D. (2007). Two-way and
monolingual English immersion in preschool education: An experimental
comparison. Early Childhood Research Quaterly, 22, 277-293.
Craig, B. A. (1996). Parental attitudes toward bilingualism in a local two-way immersion
program. Bilingual Research Journal, 20(3&4), 383-410.
de Jong, E., & Howard, E. R. (2009). Integration in two-way immersion model:
Equalizing linguistic benefits for all students. International Journal of Bilingual
Education and Bilingualism, 12(1), 81-99.
Genesee, F. (1987). Learning through two languages: studies of immersion and bilingual
education. Cambridge, MA: Newbury House.
Howard, E. R., Christian, D., & Genesee, F. (2004). The development of bilingualism and
biliteracy from grades 3 to 5: A summary of findings from the CAL/CREDE study
of two-way immersion education. CREDE Research Report. Washington, DC
Santa Cruz, CA: Center for Applied Linguistics and Center for Research on
Education, Diversity and Excellence.
Howard, E. R., & Sugarman, J. (2007). Realizing the vision of two-way immersion:
Fostering effective programs and classrooms. Washington, DC: Center for
Applied Lingusitics.
Kemppainen, R., Ferrin, S. E., Ward, C. J., & Hite, J. M. (2004). ‘One should not forget
one’s mother tongue’: Russian-speaking parents’ choice of language of
instruction in Estonia. Bilingual Research Journal, 28(2), 207-229.
Lambert, W., & Tucker, G. (1972). The bilingual education of children: the St. Lambert
experiment. Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Lao, C. (2004). Parents' attitudes toward Chinese-English bilingual education and
Chinese language use. Bilingual Research Journal, 28(1), 99-121.
Lindholm-Leary, K. J. (2001). Dual language education. Toronto, ON: Multilingual
Matters.
Lindholm-Leary, K. J. (2005). Review of research and best practices on effective features
of dual language education programs.
http://www.cal.org/twi/guidingprinciples.htm (accessed October 1, 2013).
Lindholm-Leary, K. J., & Block, N. (2010). Achievement in predominatly low
SES/Hispanic dual language schools. International Journal of Bilingual
Education and Bilingualism, 13(1), 43-60.
Monzó, L. D. (2005). Latino parents’ ‘choice’ for bilingual education in an urban
California school: Language politics in the aftermath of Proposition 227.
Bilingual Research Journal, 29(2), 365-386.
Parkes, J. (2008). Who Chooses Dual Language Education for Their Children and Why.
International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 11(6), 635-660.
Shannon, S. M., & Milian, M. (2002). Parents choose dual language programs in
Colorado: A survey. Bilingual Research Journal, 26(3), 681-696.
Statistics Canada. (2012). Canada (Code 01) and Canada (Code 01) (table). Census
Profile. Retrieved May 15, 2013, from 2011 Census. Statistics Canada Catalogue
no. 98-316-XWE. Ottawa. Released October 24, 2012
Preliminary report on parental motivation
Page 5 of 5
http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dppd/
prof/index.cfm?Lang=E
Swain, M. (1981). Lingusitic environment as a factor in the acquisition of target language
skills. In R. Andersen (Ed.), Second Language Acquisition and Use under
Different Circumstances (pp. 104-122). Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Thomas, W., & Collier, V. (2002). A national study of school effectiveness for language
minority students, long-term academic achievement. Santa Cruz, CA: Center for
Research on Education, Diversity & Excellence.
Whiting, E. F., & Feinauer, E. (2011). Reasons for enrollment at a Spanish–English twoway
immersion charter school among highly motivated parents from a diverse
community. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism,
14(6), 631-651.
Wright, R. (1996). A study of the acquisition of verbs of motion by grade 4/5 early
French immersion students. Canadian Modern Language Review, 53(1), 257-280.

Proposal Dates

The time has come after months of hard work where we have dates to make our presentations to the school boards. Based on our numbers from the community and the receptivity of the school divisions, we have managed to book three presentations. 

Thursday, November 14th with Pembina Trails School Division

Tuesday, November 19th with River East School Division

Monday, November, 25th with Winnipeg School Division

Eugenia and I will be doing the 10 minute presentation/question and answer and we invite any community members of the particular divisions to come and be a presence at the meeting. It would communicate to the board that there is community support for a Spanish Bilingual program in the public schools.

We are not sure when we will find out the results of the meeting and the boards' decision on whether they will implement the proposal. We believe that we have a strong chance, but we have to leave it up to the school board to decide. Some school divisions may be weeks to decide, others months.We will communicate with you as soon as we know.

Once the proposal is adopted, the school division would then start promoting the program with location and start date and grades. From there each of you would then need to contact the division and register your child. It is important for us to realize that if registered children do not meet the numbers requirement, the division will not implement the program, even if they approved the proposal.

 

Thank you for showing your interest and remember that when the time comes to register for the Spanish Bilingual programming in the school division, please consider doing so if it is in the best interest of your family to make this proposal a reality.

 

 

Information Meeting - A Success

The information meeting that we held this weekend went very well. In attendance were many families that have just recently found out about the proposal and wanted more information. A representative from Alberta Education who oversees all the Bilingual programming in North America as well as a representative from the Spanish Embassy were in attendance. They had led a one-day seminar for Spanish teachers the day before which went very well.

Also, a professor from the University of Manitoba's linguistics department shared her results of her study on why parents chose Spanish Bilingual for their children. Very interesting. She gave us a list of resources that we are planning to share here for you all. Below is a video that describes the bilingual program in Edmonton. Stay tuned for more information, especially regarding our proposals to the divisions.

Update

We have more time than we originally thought. A few months ago, we were under the impression that we had to make our proposal at the beginning of September, or the latest by the beginning of October. After a few phone calls to a few divisions, we were informed that the earliest we would be making a proposal is at the end of November and still be considered for the 2014 school year. Some divisions say we can even present early in the year.

Whew!

That means we have more time to collect names, so please let all your contacts know about the proposal. People in the community without school aged children can still sign up as supporters. People who have children already in school can add their name to the list of interested families. People who have tiny little babies can sign up as well.

So continue to help us promote the proposal. Leave us a comment if you'd like us to send you additional information.

Parents Workshop

We just wanted to communicate to you that we are planning to have a workshop on Spanish Bilingual Programming by Melissa Valdés from the Department of Education in Alberta. She is the Spanish Language Advisor and is resourcing the Spanish Bilingual Program in Alberta. We are flying her in to give a workshop about what is happening in Alberta and how they resource the program, and we can have a Bilingual program here in Manitoba. She is also doing a full day workshop for Spanish teachers the day before.

The parents workshop will be held at the University of St. Boniface, 200 Avenue de la Cathedrale in Winnipeg on Saturday October 19. The time will be 10:00 a.m.  Rm 1214.

Please feel free to pass this on to any families that are still wondering about the program, how it works and are needing a place for their answers to be addressed.

Still Collecting Names

School is going to be starting soon and we want to let people know that we are still collecting names for the proposal.  Children who are infants and any school aged children.  We will collect names until the day our meeting is scheduled with the school board which may be late September or early October.  We will keep you posted.

As classes resume and students come back to school, take the opportunity to share with family and friends about Spanish Bilingual programs.  If you would like a pamphlet or an information sheet to pass out, please email us by filling out the form on the right side bar.

Questions About Who to Call

Many of you have asked what you can do to help spread the word about the proposal.  We have encouraged you to call your city councillor, your MLA, your school board trustee to let them know about this.  We want to thank you to those that have been able to make those contacts.

Interestingly enough we have received some positive feedback from government officials who want to support the proposal.  This is great!  Some however aren't as enthusiastic about being contacted.  They say that since they aren't the ones making the decisions, people should not be calling them.

We are well aware that the school board is the decision maker when it comes to implementing programs. The superintendent doesn't make that decision, nor city councillors or even the province.

Our goal isn't just to inform those that make the decisions, but to let all levels of government and citizens know.  Spreading the word so that people are talking about it at social events and meetings.

The more that know = the greater chance of this succeeding.

Meeting with Minister of Education's Office

Before the start of summer holidays, Eugenia and I had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Education's office.  The meeting was a positive meeting and our ideas about the proposal were well received. They didn't answer our transportation or catchment questions. We were reminded once again that though people think this is a great idea and want to support us, many of those same people have little to do with the actual decision of implementing a Spanish bilingual program.

The decision comes down to the approval of the school board.  We know there are school board chairpersons that are aware of our proposal and think that this could be a positive program for our city, but arranging a meeting with them during the summer holidays is almost impossible.....

Anyways, the meeting went well and we were able to let a few more people know about the proposal.  Hopefully this networking and spreading the word will help move this along to a reality.

Thank You

We just want to thank all of those that helped at last week's Folklorama pavilions.  Thank you for volunteering your time at the Mexican and Cuban pavilions to sit at the tables and provide information about the proposal.  It is much appreciated.

We are still working hard. We continue to collect names of interested families and we are well over 100 children on the list.  Thank you!  Keep spreading the word!

Steering Committee

We had our first parents steering committee meeting last week.  It was great that many families are supporting this proposal.  We brainstormed ways to continue to spread the word throughout our city.  We all committed to talking to city and provincial officials, putting up posters, creating ads etc.

One of the contributing factors that led to the downfall of the previous proposal a number of years ago was that parents were not involved.  It wasn't owned by the community as so the the commitment level was low.  Our goal is to make sure families and parents take ownership of this project.  Because a dream can come from one or two people, but it takes an entire community to make it a reality.

Do you want to be part of making the Spanish Language Program a reality here in Winnipeg?

Logo Submission

We are looking for a Logo for our Project so if you know of a graphic designer or would like to submit your own original design send it by July 24th to our email!

Latin Fest

There is going to be a great event over the next two weekends.  We plan to have a table set up to inform the public of the proposal.

This Saturday, July 13th at the Phillipine Canadian Cultural Centre - 737 Keewatin St.  8p.m. - 1a.m. is the kick off party

Next Saturday, July 20th at the Forks 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. will feature a variety of musical and cultural performances, food, artisan goods for sale.

Come out to enjoy some great Latin music, food and to celebrate the culture of various Latin American countries and don't forget to stop by our table!

Still Working....

It is summer but we are in full swing with working on the proposal.  We continue to have meetings with government officials and make countless phone calls and emails to get the word out.  Many of our families have taken posters to distribute over the city.

We will be meeting to coordinate volunteers who have graciously offered to help at the various festivals in the city.  Our goal is to let as many families know about the proposal.  We can not stop working, we can not give up.  Because the time is right and there are many people in government and education that want to see a program like this be created.

Families and children are the deciding factor.  Are we ready to say yes and make this a reality?

Can you Help?

We would love to advertise in a number of venues this summer.  Do you have a contact or connection with any of the following groups?

1. Folklorama - any of the pavilions where we can have the make an announcement and where we can have information about the proposal and a place for people to sign up their children

2. Mini-U - pamphets available for parents etc.

3. Latin Fest - we'd love to set up a booth

4.  Goldeyes Baseball - have a booth with pamphets, advertise on the big screen

5. Bombers Football

Benefits of Language Learning

 “Learning another language allows us to see with new eyes.” 

– Marcel Proust

Alberta Education commissioned a 2006 study to survey the results of research on additional language learning. It found that students who become proficient in a second language benefit in many ways:

1.     Personal Benefits

·  Travel, cross-cultural relationships

·  Access to culture, literature, film, etc.

2.     Intellectual Potential

·  Students proficient in two languages score higher in verbal and non-verbal intelligence.

·  Students studying a second language develop listening, memory, and divergent thinking skills.

3.     Effect on First Language

·  Second language study significantly strengthens first language skills in areas of reading, vocabulary, grammar and communication skills.

·  The earlier the start, the greater the positive effect on the first language.

4.     Scholastic Achievement

·  Students studying a second language have higher test scores in reading, language and mathematics.

5.     Economic Potential

·  Proficiency in another language enhances prospects for postsecondary study and employment and opens up international opportunities.

·  There is an urgent requirement for qualified speakers of languages other than English in areas of science, technology, medicine and global commerce.

6.     Citizenship

·  Students learning a second language have superior cross-cultural skills and adapt better to new cultural contexts.

·  Students studying a second language display greater cultural sensitivity.

http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/learnlang/benefits.aspx

www.assembly.ab.ca/lao/library/egovdocs/2006/aled/158817.pdf

Video Link for Bilingual Immersion Program

Friends of Spanish Bilingual/Immersion Program

For the last number of months, we have been meeting with a number of supporters for the proposal.  It all got started when we met a few key people after making contact with the Spanish language consultant of Alberta.

We call them Friends because they represent different organizations and communities that would like to see the creation of a Spanish language program in the public schools.  They have shared insights and given us direction that we may not have otherwise.  Some of those people include:

Llilana Ardiles - Manitoba Spanish Teacher's Association
Maria Arentsen - University of St. Boniface
Lucila Carrasco - Spanish Teacher Liason, Chilean Association President
Teruel Carrasco - Lawyer, Chilean Association
Monica Morales - Spanish Teacher
Monica Ruiz - University of Winnipeg
Betina Sevi - University of St. Boniface
Tony Tavares - Dept. of Education language consultant

As well as there are language consultants in attendance.

It may be summer now, but we have much to do in the next few months.  How will you be involved?

Forum Night

The meeting went quite well yesterday.  Thank you to all that turned out.  We want to continue to build support and have people spread the word about this proposal.  Here are some ways you can get involved to make this possible.  Because if the community wants a Spanish Immersion Bilingual program in the schools for their children, people can't just sit on the side lines.  Wondering what you can do to make this a reality?

1.          Sign your child(ren) up on our database. 

Email winnipegspanishimmersion@gmail.com

2.          Spread the word and let people know of the proposal

3.          Put up posters and information throughout the community

4.          Volunteer to tend booth promotions at various city festivals.  

5.          Provide services/product as “in-kind” support (photocopies, promotions, paper) 

6.          Become part of the steering committee. Get involved in the organizing, planning, networking and creation of the proposal. 

Reminder

Don't forget that tomorrow is our information and forum night at the University of Winnipeg.  It's at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Hall. We plan to have supporters out from the Dept. of Education, language consultants, representatives from latin american associations as well as the Spanish Teacher's Associations.

Plan to come and invite your friends and family.  Children are welcome to come.

CTV Interview

Here is a link for an interview that we did in March.  Click here to view the video.

Forum and Information Night

We are hosting an information night for all that may be interested in a Spanish language program here in our city.

When:  Tuesday, June 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Where:  University of Winnipeg, Centennial Hall 3rd floor, Rm 3C01
Click here for a map of U of W if you are unfamiliar with the campus

Please help spread the word!

Parent Survey

If you are interested in completing a quick 5 minute survey, click here to give us your feedback.  Thank you very much!

Materials

Where would the school get the materials in order to start a Spanish language program?  Well, Alberta has many Spanish Bilingual schools so they can provide much of the curriculum to our province.  There is also support offered by the Spanish Embassy through their educational program.  They have an agreement with the Alberta government to provide supports such as 1 year teachers on loan from Spain, professional development for current teachers, materials and resources for the classroom.  They would be able to offer those same kinds of supports to Manitoba, if in fact we can demonstrate support with names from the community of interested families.

Interested?  Send in your child's name, birth year and full address to our email in the contact us tab.
Questions?  Email us!

Meeting

We had made contact with the Spanish language consultant in Alberta in March.  She also works for the Spanish Embassy and is responsible for resourcing the many Spanish Bilingual programs in Calgary and Edmonton.  We thought making contacts with them would be very helpful as we prepare to make our proposal.

We were able to speak on the phone and a few weeks later meet in person at the Language Teacher's Convention here in Winnipeg.  It was here we made contact with the MB Dept. of Education' language consultant.  It was a very good meeting because we learned more about what they are doing in Alberta as well as the strong interest by the Spanish Embassy in starting a similar program here in Winnipeg.  All that is needed is families to express to the divisions that there is a strong support for a Spanish language program here.  That is where Eugenia and I come in.  That is what we hope to accomplish with the help of all of you.

Transportation

Many families have asked about transportation.  Each of the divisions that we have talked to, either in a meeting or over the phone have informed us that children within the division will be transported by bus to the school with the Spanish language program.  Those that reside out of the division will need to be transported by their families.

School Division Meeting #1

Our first meeting back in January was with the Winnipeg School Division.  It was very informative because the assistant superintendent went over the Heritage Language Act with us as well as answered some of our questions.  We also went over the last proposal that was presented a number of years ago by a different group of people.  Unfortunately, it did not go through so we are attempting again.

What we were told is that we need 23 children in a particular year to start the program.  Most language programs start in kindergarten or grade 1, but we also talked about the possibility of having a program start in grade 7.  Many of the children signed up are already enrolled in school and so this shows community support for a later bilingual program start.

We asked about where the school that would have the language program be located.  That is dependent on which school has space.  It makes sense that a crowded school will not be built on to accommodate a new program.  So we have been doing a little research in the last few months as to which schools are not at capacity.  Though we have no say as we make the proposal, maybe a gentle suggestion could go a long way.  Also we could also encourage the division to look at where the majority of the families reside in making their decision.

A proposal would need to be made in the early fall of 2013 to this division.  The board would deliberate, go over their budget for the coming year and make a decision.  If the proposal is accepted, the program would begin in 2014.  The school would be responsible for choosing the location of the school, hiring the teachers, and gathering curriculum and materials.  They would also advertise the program and ask for committed families to sign up.

We left the meeting feeling positive but also aware there was much work to be done.

Welcome

We are glad to provide information to the general public in Winnipeg on how to make a Spanish language program a possibility here in our city.  We do have a facebook page and group (Winnipeg Spanish Immersion), but many do not use that form of social media.  Our hope is that by having a blog, people will be able to visit and read the updates.  If you want to leave a comment or a question, please feel free to do so.  Visit back often to keep informed of the progress.

If you would like to contact us via email:  winnipegspanishimmersion@gmail.com