Academics at the Hernández
Dual Language Program
The Hernández ensures a high quality dual language educational model for grades K1 - 8 that includes all students and promotes the key pillars of:
Bilingualism and biliteracy
Grade-level academic achievement in both languages
Sociocultural competence
Our school specific language model is as follows:
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150 minutes of Spanish literacy with embedded Science/ Social Studies
45 minutes of instruction in English (Math + Explicit language bridging lessons)
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220 minutes of Spanish literacy (with embedded Science/ Social Studies) and Math in Spanish
Explicit language bridging (Spanish/English) lessons during Spanish instructional time
45 minutes of instruction in English (Phonics)
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190 minutes of Spanish literacy with embedded Science/ Social Studies + Math in Spanish + 20 minutes for language intervention groups (English/Spanish depending on student’s needs)
Explicit language bridging (Spanish/English) lessons during Spanish instructional time
45 minutes of instruction in English (Phonics) + 20 minutes for language intervention groups (English/Spanish depending on student’s needs)
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50% Spanish instruction
50% English instruction
Inclusion Program
In the 2022-2023 school year, the Hernández created a System of Integrated Bilingual Learning and Language Supports (SIBLLS) to better serve the needs of students returning after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down. This system created positions called Learning Specialists, fully bilingual teachers with both special education and language acquisition training. The goal of SIBLLS is to provide access to inclusion-inspired bilingual co-teaching and intervention support across our K1 through 8th grade by creating a bilingual Learning Specialist team. SIBLLS is intended to build a more robust, differentiated “Tier I” experience for all students, while improving access to quality, dedicated Individualized Education Plans and English as a Second Language/Bilingual supports for students for students with special needs.
The Hernández has continued this model since Covid as it has shown such promising results in the first two years. This is especially important as the district rolls out its Inclusion Plan for all schools, starting in K1 and K2.
Specials
Our students have a myriad of arts programs to participate in. On any given day the richness of our arts programs can be heard from the dance and music classes in the auditorium, or seen in the arts room as students explore the visual arts of textiles, ceramics, painting, collage, drawing and more.
Library
In 2023, we reestablished a full library at the school. Located on the ground floor near the Dixwell Street side of the school, the library is a welcoming place where students can come with their class and at other assigned times to read, explore our collection, and borrow books. See below for more information about the library see here.
