Dual Language Program

Dual Language Guidelines 

(print guidelines)

Application

Purpose

This is an enrichment program with the goal of developing students into bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural individuals who love learning and think critically in a global society.

Who can participate?

Native English speakers, native Spanish speakers, and speakers of other languages who commit to long term participation. Students will be admitted on English/Spanish language fluency, academic scores, and parents’ willingness to make the necessary long-term commitment and agree to take an active role in the child’s educational development. It will be necessary for students to apply for the Two-Way Language Program.

Admission

Criteria – for admission in to the Dual Language program a student must meet the following criteria:

1. Student must meet the enrollment requirements stated in district policy.

2. Student must be enrolled in Kindergarten for the upcoming school year.

3. Student must participate in a screening process developed by the district.

4. English speaking students in grades 1-3 will not be admitted into the program unless they participated in a Dual Language program in a previous district.

5. The goal of the district is to maintain an equal number of English speaking students to Spanish speaking students.

Process – Parents wishing to enroll their children in the Dual Language Program must complete the following steps:

1. Non Spanish speaking parents of kindergarten students must fill out the application form and return it to campus administration not later than the first day of instruction for the new school year.

2. Parents who have submitted an application by the deadline date must be available to have their child screened by district personnel. The screening will take place during the third and fourth week of July.

3. Parents enrolling their children after the fourth week of July must fill out the application within two weeks of enrollment in order to have their child screened for the program

4. Parents will be notified one week prior to school starting by campus administration if their child has been placed in the program.

Program – Anna ISD reserves the option of participating in two types of Dual Language programs:

One Way Immersion:

One Way Immersion is an enrichment program consisting of one group of language learners that are developing fluency in two different languages. Spanish dominant students in our Kindergarten through 3rd grade Bilingual program receive instruction in Spanish and English through a 50/50 model. The instruction is presented in Spanish 50% of the time and in English 50% of the time by a Bilingual certified teacher. For example, a student might receive Spanish instruction in all subject areas on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and then receive English instruction on the alternating days. The following week that same student would receive only two days of Spanish instruction and three days of English instruction.

Two Way Immersion:

An enrichment program where two groups of language learners are actively engaged in learning in the same classroom. Two languages are acquired by all students by learning in and through the language of the day. Our Two Way Immersion program is a 50/50 model where instruction is presented in Spanish 50% of the time and in English the other 50%. Native English speakers and native Spanish speakers are grouped together to provide peer language models from whom they can learn. Each week students’ alternate attending English and Spanish class instructed by a Bilingual certified teacher and an ESL certified teacher. For example, one week a student may spend three days in Spanish class and two days in English class. The following week that same student would attend Spanish class two days and English class three days. Students learn to read and write in both languages simultaneously. This program is currently offered in K-3rd grades.

Service Schedule

K-1 One day-One day

2-3 Two day-Two day

2010-2011-Implementation for 4^{th Grade}

2011-2012-Implementation for 5th Grade

Program Benefits:

Acquire high levels of proficiency in two languages Improve communication skills with members of other cultural groups Accelerate academic success through higher order thinking skills Greater appreciation for diversity Increase in future career opportunities

Exit Criteria:

In order to remove a student from the Dual Language Program the following Criteria must be met:

1. Parents and or teachers must meet with a district committee to discuss reasons for exiting the program. A list of reasons must be provided when considering removing a student from the program.

2. Struggling students must go through the RTI process before exiting

3. Placement of a student who has been removed from the program will be determined by campus administration.

Grading Policy

K-3—Students grades will be based on their dominate language with an emphasis on English. Students will be evaluated by a portfolio system in all subjects in their non-dominate language. Numerical grades will be given in the dominate language with an emphasis on English. Students will be assessed weekly in each area and periodically with TAKS, VIP (Vital Indicators of Progress) and TEJAS LEE.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents are an integral part of the Anna community of learners. Research has proven that the level of motivation and support in the home determines the success of any student. Parents will have the opportunity to assist in classrooms, support the teachers in a variety of activities, help the office, workroom, and cafeteria, and are active participants in the PTO/PTA, and ESL potlucks. AISD expect the parents of the Dual Language Program to become actively involved in their child’s education.