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STATEMENT TO THE HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Jannette O'Neill-González, CONEXIONES Executive Director


February 3, 2015

Jannette O'Neil-Gonzalez Testifying Before HC BOEMy name is Jannette O'Neill-González and as the New Executive Director for CONEXIONES I thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of the World Language Program.

I am a native Spanish speaker, first generation College graduate in my family and grew up in rural Puerto Rico. I had the advantage of learning English from first grade through high school and I am a strong advocate of the World Language program. Speaking a second language allowed me the opportunity to explore better educational experiences in the US mainland, exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world during graduate school and gave me the advantage of tackling complex information in the field of science with confidence. There is extensive research that spells out the benefits that learning more than one language provides to a developing brain. Better yet, learning a second language while exploring the culture where the particular language is spoken facilitates proficiency because of the relational experience. The intensification of worldwide social relations or globalization creates the need for All our students as members of the world to increase their linguistic knowledge for a more effective communication.

The world language instruction, in Spanish, currently offered at six schools within the Howard County Public School System begins in Pre K and goes through the end of the fifth grade. It is available to all students with materials and resources to address student learning styles, interests, and readiness levels. Even those students whose parents are from countries in which the primary language is Spanish will benefit given the opportunity to become more proficient in their writing and reading skills. Therefore, the World Language Program is proven to be equally beneficial to ALL Howard county students.

The utilization of teachers who are bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate in Spanish will enhance the program through their expert fluency with the language and their first hand cultural experience, both being key elements for the program's sustainable success. Students will be asked to learn Spanish through communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities building toward language proficiency while exploring the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.

Just as important is the access to an interactive digital textbook accessible through varying platforms such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer, which will allow the students to stay engaged and extend their language learning beyond the school day.

Exposure to ALL Howard county students to Spanish at an early age will help them get better prepared for the future since research shows that learning a language helps increase cognitive flexibility, better problem solving and higher-order thinking skills.