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M.S. 256 celebrates Joan of Arc in New York

Today, the 6th and 7th grade students of M.S. 256 took part in the centennial celebration of the Joan of Arc Statue, one of the City’s crown jewels, an artwork of worldwide significance, as well as a community landmark. MS256 is also called The Joan of Arc school as it is located on 93rd street, a few blocks from Joan of Arc Island on Riverside Park in New York’s Upper West Side. The students are here with their teacher, Patricia Leboeuf, and Principal Brian Zager. Continue reading “M.S. 256 celebrates Joan of Arc in New York”

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[IT] Prima Sezione Bilingue Inglese-Italiano di New York

Ho di recente visitato la prima sezione del programma inglese-italiano di New York nella scuola pubblica PS 112 Lefferts Park a Bensonhurst. Ho incontrato la preside Louise Verdemare, Joseph Rizzi e Jack Spatola, venerati leader della comunità, e ora anche campioni dell’istruzione bilingue italiana. Come presidi scolastici, sia Jack che Louise sanno come ispirare una intera comunità e ’navigare’ per il complicato sistema scolastico – una rara sintesi di capacità da leader e che può fare una grande differenza. Ho anche visitato la classe pre-K di Holly Dell’Avanzi, ed è stato molto emozionante sentire questi bambini interagire in inglese e italiano.

Continue reading “[IT] Prima Sezione Bilingue Inglese-Italiano di New York”

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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”

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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”

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Reconsidering Higher Education Development in Africa

According to the grant database maintained by the Foundation Center in New York City, American philanthropies made 13,565 grants to Africa between 2003 and 2013. These grants total nearly $4 billion. However, these grants were not equally distributed between countries. One important factor affecting a country’s ability to attract grants is its official or primary language. Continue reading “Reconsidering Higher Education Development in Africa”

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Making a wish for more bilingual education in schools

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago I received the Medal of Honor from the Committee of French-speaking Societies in the United States for services rendered to the French community through the Bilingual Revolution. I was also listed as one “who makes other people love France” by French business magazine Les Echos. I am deeply touched by these distinctions, but the truth is, it could not have been possible without the robust effort of parents, teachers, donors, and the unwavering support of the French Embassy and FACE Foundation.  Continue reading “Making a wish for more bilingual education in schools”

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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”

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[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”

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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!”