Dual Language Immersion Program General Information

This alternative program offers a choice for parents who want their children to become fluent in two languages while developing academic skills in the core subjects.

Program Design:

The Dual Language Immersion Program is a challenging and rigorous academic program in which Spanish is used as the primary language of instruction. The classroom population is half English-speaking children and half Spanish speaking children. The program implements a 90/10-immersion model in which K-1 students receive 90% of their instruction in Spanish and 10% in English. The percentage of English instruction increases as follows:

• Kindergarten and 1^st Grade – Core subjects are taught in Spanish for 90% of the day. English language development is provided for 10% of the day or 33 minutes daily.
• 2^nd Grade – Core subjects are taught in Spanish for 80% of the day. English language development is provided for 20% of the day or 67 minutes daily.
• 3^rd Grade – Core subjects are taught in Spanish for 70% of the day. English language development and English language arts are provided for 30% of the day or 100 minutes daily.
• 4^th Grade – Core subjects are taught in Spanish for 60% of the day. English language development, English language arts, music and science are provided for 40% of the day or 134 minutes daily.
• 5^th & 6^th Grade – Core subjects are taught in Spanish for 50% of the day and English for 50% of the day or 168 minutes.

Program Goals:

• To develop language proficiency in English and Spanish for native English speakers and Spanish speakers.
• To ensure academic excellence by increasing scholastic achievement in two languages as outlined in the adopted standards.
• To cultivate understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
• To strengthen positive attitudes among students and California’s diverse population
• To develop leadership and self-confidence.

  Benefits:

• Develop fluency in two languages: English and Spanish
• Immersion students develop flexibility in thinking through problem solving, conceptualizing and reasoning in two languages.
• Develop an understanding of the English and Spanish languages and develop sensitivity to structure, vocabulary and syntax.
• Attain greater academic achievement in core subjects (reading, science, social studies and mathematics.)

  Curriculum:

• The program adheres to the District’s core curriculum
• Program participants and their families are expected to make a seven-year commitment.