Bilingual/English Language Acquisition
We invite you to learn more about the Bilingual & Language Acquisition programs at the
Cambridge Public Schools: http://www.cpsd.us/cpsdir/BilingEngK12.cfm
Please also visit the web site of the International
Student and Family Center.
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School
Principal: Dr. Christopher Saheed
Director: Dr. Mary Cazabon
Coordinator: Dr. Corinne Varon-Green
Teachers in Charge: Maria Athanassiou and Fatima Soares
Phones: 617-349-6735 or 6785
The International Studies Program has been established to meet the academic, linguistic, and social needs of English Language Learners (ELL) in compliance with recently adopted federal and state regulations. The program provides an environment where students can progress academically through an intensive sequence of English language courses, supplemented where necessary, with native language facilitation. Students’ programs also include course work in mathematics, science, health, business preparation, social studies, and culture as well as translation and interpretation courses (SEE BELOW FOR COURSE INFORMATION).
The International Studies Program follows a carefully designed sequence of courses that enable students from over 30 countries to develop fluency in English, master the academic skills needed for successful integration into the standard curriculum, and become familiar with American culture. Some language arts courses are specially suited for standard curriculum students and graduates of two-way and modified world language programs who have developed advanced level proficiency in languages other than English.
All ESL courses adhere to the three strands of learning identified in the Massachusetts Curriculum Guidelines for English Language Learners (ELL). These are: Speaking and Understanding; Reading; and Writing, in compliance with the State Frameworks.
AFTER-SCHOOL & SUMMER PROGRAMS for Grades 9-12
Funded by the AMISTAD Federal Grant, the Bilingual and Language Acquisition Dept. is able to offer after school and summer academic enrichment to all ELL and Bilingual program students in grades 9-12. Courses offer preparation for the MCAS, SATs, and in English as a Second Language.
Funded by the AMISTAD Federal Grant, the Bilingual and Language Acquisition Dept. is able to offer English as a Second Language and Computer Literacy courses for parents. Additionally, a series of parent forums are organized on a monthly basis covering subjects of interest to parents of students preparing to apply to college and dealing with issues of adolescence and immigration.
NEW COURSE:
Medical Interpretation Course at CRLS (Honors Course)
Funded by the Bilingual and English Language Acquisition Department, the Cambridge Amistad International Federal Grant (CAIP), Facilitated by Cambridge Community Services (CCS) & Cross-Cultural Communications Systems, Inc. (CCCS)
The two-year new course sequence promises to teach students the theory and practice of translating and interpreting in medical and legal settings, while enriching their oral and written skills in two languages. Each class at CRLS meets four times per week. Two times the group meets together for the "Art of Interpretation" and two times they meet separately to develop and practice language skills in either Spanish (Course # XIL1) or Portuguese (Course # XIP1).
Part 1 (two meetings per week): "The Art of Interpretation"
Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and related activities, students learn about the role of the interpreter, the correct protocol for an interpreting encounter, and different techniques of interpretation. Ethical and cultural issues are incorporated into the curriculum, and students begin to understand the professional advantages of being bilingual and bicultural. Basic Anatomy and Physiology (select body systems) is also covered in this section.
Part 2 (two meetings per week): Language Practice and Role Plays
(Portuguese and Spanish sections meet separately with their teachers.)
In this section, students have the opportunity to practice the skills they are learning in Part 1, and reinforce the medical vocabulary and concepts through repetition and use in context.
Teachers meet weekly with a consultant from CCCS to coordinate topics, tapes and role-plays to be covered, discuss pedagogical approaches, and review curriculum areas that are taught in Part 1 and reinforced in Part 2. In addition to classroom-based curriculum, this program includes presentations from outside speakers and visits to local healthcare institutions. Cambridge Community Services is working to establish links between the high school classes and community resources with the intension of setting up student-internships.
Potential Students:
The students who participate in this course possess advanced level proficiency in English and advanced Spanish or Portuguese. The Health Care Professional Interpreting Honors Course at CRLS is designed for graduates of Amigos and/or Ola Two-Way Language Immersion Programs as well as others who possess advanced proficiency in English as well as in Spanish and/or Portuguese.
City Links Program
99 Bishop Allen Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
City Links is an after-school paid internship program that provides new immigrant high school students with training and exposure to public sector careers. The program's comprehensive services include: paid internships in municipal government agencies; academic tutoring and test preparation; one-to-one guidance from adult mentors; and assistance in accessing post-secondary opportunities. Students also attend a weekly seminar that covers government structure, immigration historic, civic leadership, and job readiness skills. The program serves twenty Cambridge Rindge and Latin School juniors and seniors who are enrolled in the Bilingual Program.
City Links is program of Cambridge Community Services (CCS) in collaboration with the Bilingual Program of Cambridge Public School District.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a CRLS Junior or Senior participating in the Bilingual Program.
- You must have intermediate to advanced ESL.
- You must have a history of good attendance.
- You must have a GPA of 70 or higher.
Application Process
If you are interested, please fill out a City Links application and return it to the International Student and Family Center (Room R312). Applications are available at the International Student and Family Center.
Questions?
Please call:
Ms. Sandra Cañas
City Links Coordinator
617-876-5214
scanas@cambridgecommunity.org
Or visit the International Student Center, room R312.
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