Following the recent decision by New York City’s Department of Education to drop a French dual-language program in Manhattan, as reported by various media (Batch, NY Post, TapInto), I wanted to express my full support to the parent-led effort that has involved hundreds of diverse families and dozens of nationalities united to create a new French dual-language program in Manhattan.
Global C.R.E.D. brought together language learners from around the globe who want to grow and use their language skills. This live-streamed broadcast event connected learners with educators, learning and testing organizations, and companies that can provide career opportunities. Over 2,000 participants from 64 countries joined this two-day conference. This was my contribution. Watch the recording.
On October 2, I was thrilled to join Council Member Ben Kallos, French Consul Jérémie Robert, Community Education Council President Maud Maron, parents, teachers, and school administrators for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate two new French dual language classes that have opened at the District 2 Pre-K Center located at 355 East 76th Street in Manhattan. The joyous occasion for the families who attended the ribbon cutting and for all supporters comes after a very dedicated group of parents, including members of the Francophone community from Canada, Africa, and France, met with more than two hundred families who pledged to send their children to a French dual language program in Manhattan if one was created. I particularly congratulate the incredible efforts put forth by parents such as Stéphane Lautner, Catherine Rémy, and Nadia Levy who have kept the torch of the Bilingual Revolution burning in Manhattan even during these tough times. The French dual language classes began on September 21st with seats for 36 pre-K students. The Department of Education will operate these classes using a side-by-side instructional model where it will have one Early Childhood-certified teacher who is fluent in French and who has or will work towards a bilingual extension, alongside a second Early Childhood-certified teacher.
Here are quotes from some of the participants as well as a news report and additional photos and links.
Join me for this webinar in Arabic hosted by Austin Macauley Publishers UAE. Zoom webinar on 21st June 2020 at 6:00 PM United Arab Emirates Time (10:00 AM EST). Participants can register for the webinar by clicking on the registration link: https://nyu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsd-mtqz4uH9bRTlYWkKdB3GPXFtwV2JnQ
Once you’ve gathered a group of parents who share your goal of launching a dual-language program, you must prepare your data and present it to a principal and/or a school community. Before approaching a school principal with your proposal, it is advisable to build a rationale for a local strategy as well as a persuasive argument that will help you convince the school principal as well as other appropriate administrators of the importance of your proposal. This webinar will help you develop a convincing rationale and develop a strategy to locate a school. Guest speakers will include parents who have successfully created dual-language programs as well as school principals.
The Cultural Services of the Embassy of France are inviting you to a series of webinars for parents and educators who are interested in creating bilingual dual-language programs in public schools. Join author and education attaché Fabrice Jaumont and guests to learn how you can make a difference in your community by starting dual-language programs and providing opportunities for more children to become multilingual.