| As a BHS Spanish teacher, I’m thrilled to shared to share this update about our new Heritage Spanish-Speaker Pathway. It’s a wonderful opportunity for BHS students who speak Spanish as a native or home language to celebrate and strengthen their Spanish language skills while exploring their cultural heritage. Wishing you all happy holidays. Warmly, EricaInnovation Fund Liaison |
| Heritage Spanish-Speaker Pathway |
| Taught by English teacher Eric Colburn and Spanish teacher Marta Fuertes-Rodriguez, the Heritage Spanish-Speaker Pathway is part of a two-year sequence to foster both skill and pride in the Spanish language, heritage and Hispanic/Latinx identity. Through critical reading, essay writing, and meaningful discussions, students engage with texts that reflect and honor their unique experiences. In a short time, students give the course positive reviews, both academically and personally. “I like how it’s good to be in an environment where there’s people like you. It’s also good that everyone has something in common with their heritage.” —Natalia Griffin “At first I was a bit intimidated because I was like, oh my god, they probably know way more Spanish than me. But I realized there were other kids in my situation, and we’re growing together while also learning about our heritage.” —Eliani Williams |
| Through collaborative projects like personal slideshows about their cultural backgrounds, students find pride in their heritage while honing academic skills. The course also focuses on independent reading where students select texts that resonate with their interests and experiences. For example, Eliani, who values the opportunity to learn at her own pace, says, “I think independent reading is really helpful for me because I write down the words or phrases I don’t know, and then I recognize them later.” Natalia added how reading books she chooses has helped her become more confident with the language. By immersing themselves in literature that reflects their identities and interests, students develop their language skills and deepen their connection to their cultural heritage. |