FAQs Mandarin Immersion ABES
Mandarin Immersion Program at Adobe Bluffs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the qualifications of the Mandarin immersion teacher?
A Mandarin immersion teacher is required to have the California Multiple Subject Credential with a Bilingual Authorization.
What is the program model?
ABES implements a 50/50 Dual Language Immersion program, offering students a balanced educational experience in both English and Mandarin Chinese. In this model, students are taught core academic subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts in both languages, with even distribution—50% of the instruction is in English and 50% in Mandarin Chinese. The goals are for students to develop language proficiency and literacy in both languages, to demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, and to cultivate an appreciation and an understanding of diverse cultures.
When will my student be fluent in Mandarin?
We use ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Can-Do Statements and California World Languages Framework as progress indicators for our Mandarin learners. They are checklists to assess what they “can do” with language in different modes of communication. For more information, please visit: https://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/ncssfl-actfl-can-do-statements
How is a student’s language proficiency assessed?
Teachers will use formative, summative, and curriculum-based assessments to track students' progress in learning throughout the year. Mandarin learning report cards will be provided each trimester to offer clear updates on student performance.
Is traditional or simplified Chinese used in the classrooms?
Simplified characters are taught in the classrooms.
Do you teach Pinyin?
Pinyin will be formally introduced in third grade.
How will the kids learn English?
Under the immersion model, 50% of the school’s instructional time is conducted in English, ensuring a balanced approach to bilingual education. The subjects taught in English typically include English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, although the specific subjects may vary depending on the grade level. Mathematics is uniquely taught through a collaborative approach, with both English and Mandarin teachers delivering instruction to provide students with a dual-language learning experience. Additionally, all students are required to take standardized District and State assessments in English, which helps evaluate their proficiency in core subjects and ensures they meet state educational standards.
What enrichment classes are in the immersion schedule?
In addition to the Mandarin component, immersion classes follow the same structure as non-immersion classes. Students participate in school-wide offerings such as P.E., Music, Art, STEAM, and more.
How can I help my student learn the language if I do not speak Mandarin?
Teachers will send home supporting materials as needed. For online resources, students will be trained at school on completing assignments independently.
May I volunteer in the Mandarin classroom if I do not speak Mandarin?
Volunteers are welcome to assist in the classroom; however, this is at the discretion of the teacher and must be arranged by appointment in advance. We value the support of our parents and encourage those who want to contribute to consider joining our PTA, which is always seeking active members to help with various programs and initiatives. For parents who wish to volunteer on campus during school hours, please visit the school office to obtain the necessary forms. This includes completing an application process, which may involve background checks and reviewing school policies to ensure a safe and productive environment for students. Your involvement helps create a stronger school community, and we appreciate your time and dedication to supporting our school.
For what grades is the Mandarin Immersion Program offered?
The Poway Unified School District provides a comprehensive Mandarin Immersion Pathway for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This program allows students to begin their language journey in elementary school and continue developing their Mandarin proficiency throughout middle and high school.
May I enroll my student in the Mandarin Immersion program in a later grade?
Students may enter the Mandarin Immersion program as early as Kindergarten, which is the ideal time for beginners to start developing their Mandarin language skills. For students seeking to join the program in grades beyond Kindergarten, certain requirements must be met to ensure they are adequately prepared for the curriculum. Specifically, students must have prior experience in other Mandarin immersion programs or possess a Mandarin language background, such as speaking Mandarin at home as their primary language.
If there is an available spot in the program, we will conduct a thorough assessment to evaluate the student’s proficiency in both Mandarin and English. This assessment helps determine the student’s current language abilities and ensures they are equipped for a smooth transition into the program. For students with no previous language experience in Mandarin, they may join our GLES program.
What is the GLES program?
GLES represents Global Language In Elementary School. It’s been one of the signature programs at ABES since 2016. Students are offered one hour of Mandarin instruction in two 30-minute sessions per week. Students learn Mandarin by being exposed to the language, culture, songs, games, and basic literacy instruction. It’s also offered from TK to 5th grade.
What does the immersion class daily schedule look like?
In the partner model, students split their day between two languages, spending half the day learning in Mandarin and the other half in English.
Typical School Day Schedule:
- 7:45 AM – 10:45 AM: English or Mandarin
- 10:45 AM – 2:05 PM: Mandarin or English
Please note, Thursday is a short day, and schedules vary depending on the student’s grade level.
What core subjects are taught in Mandarin and/or English?
How many immersion classes are you going to have?
Classes are created based on the community's demands. We opened one class, two classes, and three classes in previous years. According to the PUSD class size policy, the class capacity for lower grades (K-3rd) is 26, and 35 for upper grades.
Will the Mandarin program continue throughout middle school and high school?
Yes. Black Mountain Middle School and Westview High School are the immersion pipeline schools.
Can current kindergarten students be retained to be enrolled in an immersion program?
The answer is no. If any current kindergarten student, whether at Adobe Bluffs or other elementary schools, needs to be retained for any justified reason, the student will be retained in a regular kindergarten classroom.
How are applicants ranked for conditional enrollment?
Enrollment Criteria Priority:
- Students who live in Adobe Bluffs attendance area
- Students who have siblings in the DL Program
- Students who attended Adobe Bluffs TK via Intra-District Transfer
- Children of PUSD employees working more than 50% of the school year
- Students who attended Adobe Bluffs TK via Inter-District Transfer
- Students who live in PUSD’s attendance area
- Students who live outside PUSD’s attendance area
When do we need the lottery process?
The lottery process becomes necessary when the number of students interested in enrolling exceeds the available spots in a program. In these situations, the school will conduct a lottery to determine eligibility.
For applicants who are not accepted into the immersion class, we highly encourage enrollment in our Mandarin GLES program, which offers an excellent alternative pathway to benefit from our language learning opportunities.
If you have questions about our program, e-mail [email protected]