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 1st 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.
- 2nd 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.
- 3rd 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.
- 4th 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.
- 5th & 6th 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.
