What is the dual-language program?

The Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program features research-based, standards-aligned instruction that allows students to learn at high levels while building global awareness and developing a global perspective. Hands-on, interactive Dual Language lessons and activities keep students engaged and take them deeper into grade-level skills and concepts.

Students are grouped in Bilingual Pairs in order to learn from each other’s language strengths. The pairs work together at designated times to better understand content lessons, learning stations, and/or research centers. These partnerships foster accountability, collaboration, and empathy in our students.

Students in our program apply their language learning in a child-centered environment that fosters global leadership skills through technology, creativity, and critical thinking. It is through this experience that students are truly able to demonstrate mastery of learning.

What language will my student be learning in?

In Kindergarten, 90% of their academic instruction is conducted in Spanish. This means that students receive academic instruction in reading, math, social studies, and science entirely in Spanish. 10% of their enrichment instruction will be in English. This includes their special elective classes such as gym, dance, art, music and STEM.

Beginning in Second Grade, students will transition to a 50-50 model where they will receive academic instruction in reading, social studies, and science in Spanish and reading and math in English. Teachers use translanguaging to bridge the knowledge and skills they have acquired in Spanish to make metacognitive connections in English. 

How do I sign up for the program?

Attend the Kindergarten Roundup in January for more information about registration and enrollment. Complete the application by deadline.

There are three Dual Language Kindergarten classes. Spaces in the program are available on a lottery basis, with priority given to Rosemont attendance zone boundaries and families with siblings already enrolled in the program.

Grades levels above Kinder may have openings upon occasion due to attrition. However, going into the program later than Kindergarten may present a situation in which the student may have a difficult time catching up with his or her classmates in language acquisition skills.

What may I expect in terms of my child's language acquisition skills?

While we acknowledge that each person acquires language in a very personal way, the staff of our Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program have established the following milestones for the two languages. Kinder - Eight basic colors, numbers 1-10, six basic geometric shapes, days of the week, months of the year, basic school-day phrases plus: additional colors/shapes, numbers through 30. First – all Kinder milestones, plus: numbers through 100, basic math, science and social studies vocabulary.

Another point to appreciate is that children at this primary level will develop correct pronunciation with almost no apparent effort on their part at all.

What may I expect in terms of educational progress in areas other than language skills?

In some cases, children in the dual-language program lag behind native language learners in some subjects. They may not test as well in the early grades. However, after approximately 2-3 grades, dual-language learners not only catch up to their native language counterparts, they often surpass them in other subjects. Other benefits include increased creativity and problem-solving, and the encouragement of cross-cultural relationships. 

What are the expectations of me as a parent?

As with any other aspect of your child's education and development, your involvement is instrumental to ensuring the most favorable outcome. There are many opportunities to participate in the program as a parent, including planning/attending parent events, reading to students, and providing opportunities to use the Spanish language outside of school. To ensure the maximum benefit to your child and the program, ten hours of volunteer work per family are expected over the course of the school year.

How are the teachers trained to teach this special curriculum? Do they attend classes, etc?

All teachers have received a bilingual teaching certification from Texas Education Agency. Additionally, teachers complete professional development throughout the school year to improve pedagogical skills.

Is my child being taught "less" of the traditional curriculum due to their involvement in this program?

No, the curriculum objectives are the same. The difference is the language of instruction.

Dallas ISD Dual Language Program Overview

Embed link: https://youtu.be/wrMh29hWvs8 

What is the relevance or advantage of my child participating in the Dual Language program? What are the expectations?

Students who participate in dual-language programs have high academic achievement rates, transfer their first language abilities to a second language and become bi-lingual, bi-literate and bi-cultural. A great intercultural relationship is fostered between the children that participate as they gain a healthy respect for their own and other cultures. The program helps to build a school and community with stronger intercultural relations.