Second Salem School Approved For Dual-Language Learning

SALEM, MA — A second Salem public school was approved as a dual-language bilingual education school, with Collins Middle School joining Bentley Academy with the state designation.

Superintendent Steve Zrike said Collins is expected to begin offering classes in Spanish to multilingual students beginning in the next school year.

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"We are appreciative of the Department of Education's support of our request for programmatic expansion," said Dr. Zrike. "Consistent with our values and strategic priorities, we remain committed to growing access to an asset-based program that promotes bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism.

"Students will now be able to strengthen this superpower into their middle school years."

Salem Public Schools is one of approximately 25 school districts in Massachusetts that offer dual-language bilingual education.

All Grade 6 students who are multilingual learners and can demonstrate proficiency in Spanish in screening exams will be eligible for the program. Andre Fonseca, Director of Multilingual Learner Education at SPS, said the goal is to prepare 50 students each year to be highly proficient in both English and Spanish.

Students will also receive pathway awards demonstrating their proficiency between grades 6 through 11.

"The dual language program enhances our middle school curriculum by engaging students in deeper learning, fostering bilingualism, and promoting cross-cultural understanding," CMS Principal Gavin Softic said. "At CMS, it empowers students to think globally while succeeding academically."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)