CA​SE FOR OUR MICROSCHOOL

The Bilingual International School of Texas will facilitate language skills, putting students on the path to multilingualism and biliteracy. It will provide a much needed ​two way dual language school in the area. We will emphasize outcomes in bilingualism and biliteracy to set students on the path to earn the seal of biliteracy. ​Underpinning the aims for biliteracy are cultural competencies that reflect United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the concept of global citizenship, ​and aims to produce civic leaders.

MI​SSION

Our school seeks to develop ​biliterate engaged global citizens ​and civic leaders, by learning how ​to deeply connect to one’s ​community and to communicate ​and solve shared problems across ​lines of difference.

VI​SION

We envision a student body who ​are prepared to lead locally and ​globally aligned with the United ​Nations Sustainable Development ​Goals (SDGs).

VA​LUES

Equity

Liberation

Belonging

Civics

Compassion

MELISSA CHAPMAN - AIT BELAID, Founder

Melissa Chapman - Ait Belaid is a dynamic educator, instructional coach, and learning ​consultant with a passion for data-driven visual storytelling and educational equity. ​With a rich background in teaching, curriculum design, and leadership roles, Melissa ​brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of ​diverse learners' needs to her work. Through her innovative approaches to ​instruction, curriculum development, and professional learning design, Melissa is ​dedicated to empowering educators and students alike to achieve their full potential.

She is pursuing the Invited MBA (12 Week MBA) from Abilitie, specializing in ​educational leadership and management, with an expected completion date in ​October 2024. Melissa earned her Master of Arts in Teaching: ESOL from American ​University in Washington, D.C., where she honed her skills in creating inclusive and ​engaging learning environments. She also holds a Double Bachelor of Arts in Spanish ​and International Studies from the University of Missouri, where she distinguished ​herself with an Honors Certificate. Melissa's educational journey has been enriched ​by her participation in the CIEE Liberal Arts Program in Santo Domingo, Dominican ​Republic.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The BLIST language program model is Spanish Immersion or Spanish / English Bilingual. Students are on a path to Spanish proficiency and leave 5th ​grade with an Intermediate level of Spanish writing, listening, speaking, and reading. .

STUDENTS QUALITIES

• Critical thinkers and problem solvers
  
• Compassionate and empathetic
  
• Self starters with design thinking skills and are comfortable with risk taking in order to innovate
  
• Strong communicators who are data-literate, evidence driven storytellers
  

AS GLOBAL CITIZENS AND CIVIC LEADERS, STUDENTS DEVELOP...

• Awareness of social, cultural, political, environmental and economic issues, both on a local and global scale
  
• Active community participation in addressing societal issues for a more equitable and sustainable world
  
• Respect for other cultures and embrace of diversity
  
• Lack of tolerance for social injustice
  
• Responsibility for their actions
  

DAILY STRUCTURE

Each multi-level group will be led by two teachers, one who is Spanish dominant and one who is English dominant. Students will plan their own field trips and ​present their experiences to the community to develop self-direction and community connections. These will be to North Texas area nature preserves, ​museums, and other learning experiences.

UNIQUE APPROACH

• Culturally responsive teaching
  
• Curricula and approach will honor each student by virtue of their heritage
  
• Alternative to presenting knowledge and assessing abilities in a way that reflects white dominant culture
  
• Students will be celebrated for what they can do with a language in authentic contexts.
  

PHYSICAL SPACE

We are co-designing a community-responsive future - ready school for well being and resilience. Our top WELL domains include movement, light, ​nourishment, and thermal comfort (or appropriate temperatures). While we have not yet determined the school site, student well-being is prioritized. ​We welcome community input!