HILO^TM Project - Harmonious Intervention thru Language Opportunities

The Overton Group pilot-project, HILO^TM, was designed to use the 'Sube Curriculum' as a vital portion of its cultural exchange vision.  The Sube Curriculum is an established academic system that teaches Spanish through art, music and games. 

'Sube,' a proven, research-based teaching method that was developed as an after-school program in the USA in 1996, uses multi-sensory materials and activities and was specially adapted for diverse classroom environments.  In the academic field of language learning, Sube meets multiple standards at the national and international level. (See http://www.sube.com/about for more about Sube.)

Target Group

Students enrolled in Pre-K, and K through 5th Grade in the Austin, Texas area.

Objectives

• Children will recognize and use common Spanish words and phrases
• English-speaking children will learn new ways to engage with their Spanish-speaking classmates
• Spanish-speaking children will find new ways to engage with their English-speaking classmates
• Children will learn interesting facts about each other's culture.

Current Events

In the final weeks of 2009, the Overton Group began an after-school, HILO^TM pilot program at Overton Elementary School in Austin, Texas, through the Boys and Girls Club.  In this program, Overton Group teachers will teach English and Spanish to second graders on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30pm.  [Current OES enrollment: 21 students]

In the early weeks of 2010, the Overton Group began another after-school, HILO pilot program at Barrington Preschool in Austin, Texas.  Overton Group teachers will teach English and Spanish to Pre-Kindergarten students on Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30pm.  [Current BPS enrollment, 11 students]

In March, 2010, the Overton Group began yet another after-school, HILO pilot program at Sanchez Elementary School in Austin, Texas.  Overton Group teachers will teach English and Spanish to second graders on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30pm.  [Current SES enrollment: 12 students]

We were impressed to see young students sign up for the HILO pilot program on their own, choosing between a wide range of sports and academic activities.

As the HILO pilot program continues to grow, we projected 59 students enrolled by mid-2010, and we implemented plans for summer programs.  The HILO program continues to expand.

The 2010 surge in project roll-out means the Overton Group is already achieving academic outcome in the Austin Community.  We offer hearty congratulations to everyone who helped to take the HILO pilot program from a dream to a budding reality.  This could not have happened without your dedication and input.  Now is the time for a new, major effort to maintain this uphill momentum.

Contact the Overton Group