Texas Border Business
PHARR – In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) is proud to be offering students a new Mexican-American Studies Dual Credit Course this fall 2021 semester thanks to a partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
According to PSJA Executive Officer of College Readiness Dr. Linda Uribe, the MASC 2301 Course is being held asynchronously in Spanish and allows 11th and 12th grade students the opportunity to earn a Humanities credit and Dual Language credit simultaneously. Currently, 15 students are part of the first cohort enrolled in the course.
“In partnership with UTRGV, high school students have the opportunity to take this Mexican-American Studies course that will satisfy one of their general curriculum core courses at the university level,” said Dr. Uribe. “Through this course, students are also being afforded a unique opportunity to learn how to use their voice and be leaders who advocate for the Latino community.”
PSJA ISD is among the first to offer MASC 2301 fully in Spanish allowing students in the district’s Dual Language Enrichment Program the opportunity to also earn a credit towards their requirement to graduate with a Seal of Biliteracy on their diploma.
“Through this course our students are getting to learn more about their culture, history, and key community leaders,” said the PSJA Dual Language Enrichment Program Director Olivia Martinez. “We had several parents very excited to have their children learn more about their culture and background.”
Through a rigorous curriculum, students who participate in the PSJA Dual Language Program are academically instructed in English and Spanish, from Pre-Kinder to 12th grade. As a result, students can master both languages and enhance their education by developing the ability to fluently speak, read, write, and think critically in both English and Spanish, which allows them to compete successfully in a global economy. “We are honored to be able to offer this course to our students thanks to the collaboration with UTRGV,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “Our district takes pride in providing life-changing opportunities for our students and we believe this will be a culturally enriching experience.”
