What is a dual language program?

A Dual Language (DL) program is a bilingual educational model where students are taught literacy and content in two languages. DL programs are designed to increase academic achievement, biliteracy, bilingualism, and cross-cultural understanding. The structure of DL programs varies, but they all provide at least 50% of the instruction in the partner language.

The purpose of the Dual Immersion Program is to improve student performance for both English Learners and English dominant students by developing their bilingualism and literacy in two languages. Developing a program option that creates an opportunity for students to cross-learn and share the language with each other will result in the development of higher levels of bilingualism and biliteracy for both groups of students. (Lindholm-Leary & Genesee, 2010)

Program Goals

  1. Achieve true bilingualism and biliteracy for participating students 
  2. Promote high academic achievement of all students and close the achievement gap 
  3. Increase culturally responsive teaching throughout the school (multiethnic curriculum & resources)
  4. Foster and promote cultural diversity and respect among students and their families 
  5. Promote self esteem and leadership skills

(Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education 3rd Edition, 2018)

Benefits

Dual Language programs are based on decades of research that show learning academic content through two languages has positive effects on students’ achievement in school. This research also shows that DL programs help reduce achievement gaps and promote educational equity. The research-based benefits of DL programs include: 

  • Students become bilingual, biliterate and develop cultural competency to succeed in a global society.
  • DL students tend to outperform their non-dual language peers on academic achievement tests in English by or during their middle school years. 
  • Historically underserved students, especially English learners, attain greater academic success when they participate in a DL program. 
  • People who are bilingual demonstrate greater cognitive flexibility, increased attention control, better memory, superior problem-solving skills, and an enhanced understanding of their first language. 
  • DL students are ready to fill positions in the growing local and global multilingual workforce.

 

To learn more about the research supporting Dual Language programs click on the following links:

Parent’s Questions About Two-Way Immersion

The Rich Promise of Two-Way Immersion

JCSD 509J Dual Language Program

Our Mission:

We welcome all of our students to a pathway to become multilingual, multi-literate and culturally competent and inclusive community members.

Our core values for our dual language program are that: 

  • All students are affirmed in their diverse races, identities, languages, and cultural heritages
  • All students are provided with an educational environment that will enable them to maintain confidence and a positive identity with their cultural heritage and first language.
  • All students meet and exceed grade-level learning targets by:
    • Reading, writing, listening and speaking in Spanish and English
    • Thinking critically and persevering
  • All student’s families have the opportunity to participate and support their child’s education experience.
  • All students graduate with an Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy 

Location:

The program will be housed at Buff and Madras Elementary Schools starting in the 24-25 school year. Each school will have one classroom of each grade.

Madras Elementary Buff Elementary
Kindergarten Kindergarten
1st Grade 1st Grade
2nd Grade 2nd Grade

50:50 Two-Way Immersion Model

  • 50% of the day will be taught in Spanish and 50% of the day will be taught in English
  • Balance of English speakers and Spanish speakers
Spanish Instruction Time - 50% of the Day
  • Spanish Language Arts
  • Math
  • Community Time/Morning Mtg
  • Spanish Language Development
English Instruction Time - 50% of the Day
  • English Language Arts
  • Specials (PE, Music, Library)
  • English Language Development (for English Learners)
  • Content Time (Science and Social Science)
School Year Grade Implementation
2022-23 Kindergarten
2023-24 1st Grade
2024-25 2nd Grade
2025-26 3rd Grade
2026-27 4th Grade
2027-28 5th Grade
2028 & Beyond Middle & High School
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