Dual Immersion Program

Dual Language Immersion Program

Dual Language Immersion is a unique educational model where children learn to think, read, write and communicate naturally in two languages.

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What is DLI?

Dual Language Immersion is a unique educational model where children learn to think, read, write and communicate naturally in two languages: English and the target language. Native target language speakers and native English speaking students study together, beginning in kindergarten through 6th grade, to be biliterate in both languages.

NLUSD’s Dual language classrooms contain a mix of students who are English dominant with students who are dominant in the target language. This mix of students provides intensive interaction and learning. Students who participate in the program do not have to be native speakers of the target language. The program teaches students to speak, read, and write in the target language while maintaining a rigorous academic program in English. It is the expectation that students will participate in this program through the sixth grade in order to fully benefit from the approach.

Overview

Two-way English/Spanish Immersion Program - This program gives native English and Spanish - speaking children the opportunity to become bilingual, bi-literate, and bi-cultural by the end of the 5th grade by learning in English and Spanish. Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Education Programs are designed to serve speakers of other languages and English speakers within the same classroom. The students are purposely mixed in the same educational environment to provide communicative and academic language development through an interactive and cross-cultural setting. Program participation begins in Kindergarten and continues through eighth grade.

Each school is considered a college preparatory school due to their focus on Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) schoolwide. Additionally, participation in an immersion program aligns with the state goal of increasing bilingualism and biliteracy so students are ready to compete in a Global California. Dual immersion students are on track to receive the California State Seal of Biliteracy, a prestigious award that shows demonstration of skills in two languages. Participation in immersion programs, AVID, and qualifying for the Seal of Biliteracy prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Program Goals

Students will develop high levels of proficiency in their first language and in a second language

Academic performance for all students will be at or above grade level within 3 to 5 years of enrollment.

All students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors

Program Mission and Vision

Mission	Vision
We believe that through bilingualism and biliteracy the students in NLMUSD’s cohesive dual immersion program will develop high-levels of multicultural understanding and achieve academic excellence .	We believe that through bilingualism and biliteracy the students in NLMUSD’s cohesive dual immersion program will develop high-levels of multicultural understanding and achieve academic excellence .

Participants

Enrollment for these programs is open to both native English and native Spanish speakers who desire to learn a second language. Enrollment is based on a target balance of 50% English speaking students and 50% Spanish speaking students that provides both groups with positive language models throughout their instruction.

Benefits

All of the students develop proficiency in both languages.
The English Language Learner (ELL) students learns through his or her native language as well as through English.
Native English speakers acquire a second language as they are taught academic content in an immersion environment.
All students add another language and culture.
Enhancement of the students' self-esteem and allows for cross-cultural understanding.

Program Goals

To develop high levels of communicative and academic second language proficiency
To maintain and develop primary language skills
To develop superior progress in all curricular areas
To develop understanding, positive attitudes and acceptance of oneself as well as the diversity of the languages and cultures represented in the community

Program Design

Kindergarten through 8th grade instructional program with certified bilingual teachers
Challenging curriculum in both languages
Balanced language literacy skills
Second language literacy skills
Academic content instruction
Peer interaction

Instructional Design

The instructional approaches for Dual Language Immersion Programs follow sound principles underlying bilingual and foreign language teaching methods. Learning is provided in an environment that allows students to engage in a meaningful environment and interact with one another. The needs of each language group includes: primary language development, second language acquisition, development of cognitive language and literacy skills, and the development of a positive self-image and cross-cultural understanding.

The curriculum in the program utilizes communication-based instruction, balanced literacy strategies and interactive participation.

Initially all students learn to read and write in Spanish. English literacy skills are added as students progress through the grade levels.

Grades and Language of Instruction

Kindergarten	90% Spanish, 10% English
First Grade	80% Spanish, 20% English
Second Grade	70% Spanish, 30% English
Third Grade	60 % Spanish, 40% English
Fourth Grade	50% Spanish, 50% English
Fifth Grade	50% Spanish, 50% English

Participating Schools

K-5^th – Dolland Elememtary School

6-8^th – Los Alisos Middle School

Recognition

Students who participate in the Dual Immersion Program are eligible to receive recognition for their biliteracy skills at various times throughout their academic career. 5^th grade students may apply for the NLMUSD Pathway to Biliteracy Award.