About Uni Hill

Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum: University Hill implements the BVSD curriculum. The study of content areas in a second language and second-language literacy provide all students with an additional challenge.  In both languages of instruction, teachers help students make connections to content and concepts that are relevant to the experiences of diverse-language learners.  In the early grades, there is a greater emphasis on developing literacy and math skills in the child’s primary language. The child is then taught to apply the learned skills and strategies to master the second language. Children develop bi-literacy by studying core curricula – science, mathematics, social studies and language arts – in both languages. The language of instruction alternates with each new curriculum unit.

Instruction: University Hill’s classroom teachers are bilingual and have extensive experience in dual-language programs.  Our instructional staff participates in intensive professional development workshops with nationally recognized experts in second language acquisition.

Organization of Instruction: Students in each grade level are assigned two teachers – one in a Spanish language classroom and one in an English language classroom.  Instruction is provided in three learning environments:  the student’s first language (L1) with same language peers; the student’s second language (L2) with same language peers; and an integrated language group with both native-English and native- Spanish speakers in which the language of instruction rotates from English to Spanish in three to five week units.  Instruction in literacy, mathematics, and second language takes place with same language peers.  Instruction in the English and Spanish environments is coordinated to reinforce – but not repeat – content taught in the other environments.  Science and social studies are taught in the integrated groups.  Art, music, and P.E. are currently taught in English. 

School Climate: Culturally relevant and responsive practices are modeled and reinforced by all adults in the school. Expected student behaviors are individually recognized and acknowledged in class meetings and at school community events that are open to all.

Three Environments for Learning -- L1, L2 and IG (Integrated)

L1 
Instruction in students’ first- language with same language peers
Focus on reading, writing, speaking, and math development

L2 
Instruction in students’ second- language with same language peers
Focus on second language literacy and supportive content-area language development

IG 
Instruction alternates between English and Spanish with mixed language peers (~50/50)
Three- to five-week units that focus on social studies and science

BVSD Elementary Curriculum