New York’s First Italian Dual Language Program

I recently visited the first New York City’s first Italian Dual Language program at PS 112 Lefferts Park in Bensonhurst. I met with Principal Louise Verdemare, Joseph Rizzi and Jack Spatola, revered community leaders, and now champions of Italian dual language education. As school principals, both Jack and Louise also understand how to inspire a community and maneuver the school system – a rare combination of leadership skills that can make a huge difference.  I also visited Holly Dell’Avanzi pre-K class, and it was very touching to hear these children learn in English and Italian.  Continue reading “New York’s First Italian Dual Language Program”

Life as a Bilingual: a Conversation with Francois Grosjean

On September 23, I spoke with Professor François Grosjean, world-renowned psycholinguist and specialist on bilingualism at Albertine Bookstore in New York.

The conversation provided insight on bilingualism, the importance of speaking two languages as well as the advantages and disadvantages that come along. Parents and teachers had the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts on the subject after the conversation.

Continue reading “Life as a Bilingual: a Conversation with Francois Grosjean”

The Medal of Appreciation of the Committee of French Speaking Societies

On December 12, in a ceremony presided over by M. Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France and M. Bertrand Lortholary, Consul General of France, Dr. Gérard Epelbaum awarded the Committee’s Medal of Appreciation to Alain Dupuis, a war veteran, and to me for my efforts in the creation of bilingual education programs in public schools – a more peaceful battle – and for my services to the French community. Continue reading “The Medal of Appreciation of the Committee of French Speaking Societies”

[FR] Un intérêt grandissant pour l’éducation bilingue français-anglais au Texas

L’éducation bilingue se développe au Texas. Aux États-Unis, c’est l’un des États qui a ouvert le plus grand nombre de filières bilingues dans le primaire et le secondaire. Selon la Texas Education Agency, environ un sixième des 5 millions d’élèves dans les écoles publiques ou à charte du pays sont classés comme des “apprenants de l’anglais limités” (“Limited English Learners”). Bien sûr, tous les élèves peuvent s’inscrire dans une filière bilingue pour pouvoir devenir bilingue et bilettré. Continue reading “[FR] Un intérêt grandissant pour l’éducation bilingue français-anglais au Texas”

Interest for French-English Bilingual Education Is Growing in Texas!

Bilingual education is growing in Texas which is among the leading states in the nation in the number of schools using bilingual programs at the elementary and secondary level. About a sixth of the almost 5 million students in Texas public and charter schools are classified as “limited English learners,” according to the Texas Education Agency. But any student can enroll in a dual-language program with the end goal of becoming bilingual and biliterate in two languages. Continue reading “Interest for French-English Bilingual Education Is Growing in Texas!”

What 200 schools in 30 States and 116 cities have in common

200 schools in 30 states and 116 cities offer a French bilingual program in the United States. They serve approximately 40,000 children who each day are becoming more and more bilingual, bi-literate, and multicultural. The following directory lists schools that offer a K-12 day-time French dual language program, one-way immersion in French, and French curriculum schools. Whether public or private, these schools follow various models and pedagogical objectives. Yet, they all play a crucial role in educating children with a global mindset, and impacting both the local and global community that they serve. Continue reading “What 200 schools in 30 States and 116 cities have in common”

First Bilingual Education Fair of New York

French Morning launched the first Bilingual Education Fair of New York in partnership with Hunter College, The French American Foundation and the French Embassy on October 11, 2014.

Bilingual education is booming! More and more parents understand the benefits of a bilingual education for their children. More and more options are now available all over the city, in both private and public education. The Bilingual Education Fair of NY was the premier event for all interested in this movement that’s changing the face of so many schools in the city and the country. Continue reading “First Bilingual Education Fair of New York”

[video] Conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century”

How do you identify yourself? Are you American? French? Mexican? Latino? African? Haitian? Canadian? Quebecois? As the world becomes increasingly integrated and interconnected, cultural identity has taken on new meaning and importance. The ability to understand our own culture and the cultural heritage of others is essential for our shared humanity. It is also a powerful asset in a world that is increasingly more interconnected and competitive.

On Saturday, April 12, we examined these topics at the Lycée Français de New York with leading educators, policy makers, entrepreneurs and practitioners from around the world. The conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century” explored cultural identity and diversity, and how best to prepare our students for success in the future. You can watch the video of the different panels below. Continue reading “ Conference “My Culture, Your Culture: International Education for Success in the 21st Century””

[FR] [video] A New York, le français retourne à l’école – Radio Canada et TV5 Monde

Dans cette classe de maternelle de P.S. 110 – The Monitor School, une école primaire de Brooklyn, les enfants suivent un enseignement bilingue, avec des classes autant en français qu’en anglais. Laura Sutton, l’enseignante, leur apprend à lire et à compter en français le matin et en anglais l’après-midi. Les deux tiers de ces enfants, qui ont entre 5 et 6 ans, sont des petits Américains anglophones, les autres sont d’origine francophone. Continue reading “[FR] A New York, le français retourne à l’école – Radio Canada et TV5 Monde”