PBES Chinese Partial Immersion

Partial Immersion – programs in which approximately 50 percent of instruction is provided in the target language. Initial literacy instruction may be provided in either the target language or English or in both languages simultaneously.

The Prince George’s County Public Chinese STEM program at Paint Branch Elementary was started 2011 and the Partial Chinese Immersion program was started at the kindergarten level 2014-2015 this school year. Students enrolled in the program will continue through grade 5 and have the opportunity to develop communicative and academic proficiency in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

The program gives emphasis to English language speakers. Students learn Chinese through content based instruction in selected core subjects with a cross cultural understanding in Science STEM, Math, and Chinese language. Students read, write, listen and speak in both languages, becoming bilingual; bi-literate and bi-cultural.

Chinese Partial Immersion & STEM Program

The benefits of bilingualism are numerous, including greater flexibility in thinking, high rates of academic achievement, and cross-cultural learning and communication. Students will be prepared to compete within the context of the Global Society. This program is offered to children entering in Kindergarten in the Paint Branch boundary area.

What Parents Can Do to Support their child’s Immersion Experience?

Like all parents, parents of children in immersion programs are encouraged to maintain an active role in their children’s education by providing experiences that will help develop their English language skills and enhance their cognitive and effective development.

It is recommended that parents try to read to their children daily and engage them in activities where they need to apply what they are learning in class. Parents can also communicate with the teachers on a regular basis about their children’s academic, social, and language development. They are encouraged to become well informed about immersion education, make a commitment to keep their child in the immersion program, and support their children’s use of the immersion language outside the school context.

Parents may contact the Chinese Immersion Program Coordinator, Ruby Costea, at [email protected] at anytime for questions, resources, and information.  Parents may also visit the ⇒PBES Chinese Immersion website for more information.

Paint Branch Chinese Immersion & STEM Program

The program follows the Maryland State & Prince George’s County Public Schools Curriculum. Students work towards the same academic goals regardless of the language instruction.  Teachers must be native or native like speaker and meet the Maryland State requirements for certification. When available, qualified Chinese-speaking substitutes are used.