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  3. DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM

DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM

Dual Language Immersion Program

A colorful tree with handprints representing the Heber Elementary School District's Dual Language Immersion Program.

Dual Immersion Form

80 / 20 DLI Program

What is the Dual Language Immersion Program?

Dogwood Elementary offers a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program with Kindergarten and First Grade students for Fall of 2024-2025 school year. Dogwood’s DLI program builds bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish. The DLI program integrates native English speaking students and English learning Spanish speaking students in the same classroom. The teacher provides academic instruction through two languages (English and Spanish).

What are the program goals?

The overarching goals for Dual Language Immersion are:

  • Bilingualism - Students will develop high levels of language proficiency.
  • Academic Achievement - Students will perform at or above grade level state standards in both languages.
  • Multiculturalism - Students will develop a positive cultural identity and an appreciation of other cultures as a 21st Century global citizen.
  • Biliteracy Award: -The District will acknowledge in Grade 6 students who have participated in the Dual Language Immersion program with a Pathway to Biliteracy Award. This recognition paves the way for the students to eventually earn the State Seal of Biliteracy upon high school graduation.

What are the benefits of the Dual Language Immersion Program?

  • Speak fluently in two languages.
  • Strengthen cognitive skills and attain high academic achievement in two languages.
  • Be equipped with skills to succeed in a global economy.
  • Foster cross-cultural competency.
  • Gain a competitive edge for college scholarships and career opportunities.
  • Enhance creativity and problem solving skills.

What is the criteria for students to be in a Dual Language Immersion Program?

  • The main criteria is for parents to complete a student DLI application for the 2024-2025 school year.
  • The program looks for a balance of students from each language (English and Spanish).

5 Enrollment Practices

1. Student Qualifications

  • All students residing in the Heber Elementary School District may enroll in the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program during open enrollment and if the student is currently in TK or Kindergarten. Our goal is to implement a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program-Two Way Program. To qualify for the DLI Two Way Immersion program, the candidates will be considered on a first come first serve basis to meet the program goals, which includes English Learners, English Only speaking students, and/or students who qualify because of their heritage background.

2. Student Qualifications After Kindergarten

  • Any student who is in TK or Kindergarten may apply to enter the DLI program. Any students requesting to be enrolled in the DLI program after Kindergarten will be considered for the program provided they can demonstrate language skills and content knowledge necessary to be successful in the program. The Dogwood Elementary principal/or designee will determine placement in the DLI program after a screening and assessments.

3. Non-HESD Residents

  • Families living outside the HESD District must request an Inter-District Transfer from their district of residence. Once the Inter-District Transfer is approved, parents will need to register at the DLI school/District. The Inter-district transfer process must be followed annually for continued enrollment in the Heber Elementary School District (HESD) and the HESD’s DLI program. Inter-District petition process.

4. Continued DLI Enrollment

  • Once enrolled in the DLI program, students remain enrolled automatically unless disenrolled by the parents or the school. Disenrollment will be done in consultation with parents, teacher, and site principal. Hence, families in the DLI program at HESD with an Inter-District agreement, must renew their Inter-District agreements annually to attend HESD.

5. Priority Students

  • Priority will be given to those students who are English Learners, who have siblings in the HESD’s DLI program, and/or who meet the Two Way Program criteria, as stated above.

What is the 80/20 used in the DLI Program?

A graphic with a ratio of 80/20, indicating that Spanish is the primary language of instruction, with English increasing gradually throughout the grade levels.

What is HESD’s DLI Implementation Timeline?

A grid chart showing school years and corresponding academic years.

How can I enroll my child in the DLI Program?

If your child is currently enrolled in the HESD District as a TK or Kindergarten student, application will be given out during our mandatory informational meetings scheduled at Dogwood Elementary School on:

  • Monday, March 25th at 12:30 pm

Those living outside of the HESD District must apply for an Inter-District transfer from their District of residence. For more information, please contact our office at (760) 337-6530 ext. 3011 or 3012.

 

FAQs

1.Will two languages confuse my child or slow down his/her academic progress?

  • There is no research to indicate this. Research has consistently demonstrated that learning two languages enhances academic growth. However, moving children in and out of the program should be avoided. Children gain maximum benefits from the program by remaining in it through 6th grade and then continuing in secondary.

2. What if my child only speaks English?

  • Instruction will be delivered using visuals, music, movement, and technology. There will be ongoing family engagement nights to support learning at home. The goal is for your child to learn to read, write, listen, and speak in both English and Spanish.

3. What Dual Language Program does Heber Elementary School District offer?

  • HESD offers a dual language program that follows a 80/20 model. The Spanish language is used most of the day (80% of the time) and the English language is used some (20%) of the day. As students progress through the grades, the Spanish and English language is used equally (50%) throughout the day.

4. What if I am not interested in having my child participate in the Dual Language Immersion Program?

  • HESD will continue to offer an English only with English Language Development (ELD) option to those families who want their child to be taught only in English.

5. What grades are you currently accepting for the Dual Language Immersion Program?

  • We are now accepting current TK and Kindergarten students, as they will be future Kindergarten and First grade students next year 2024-2025 school year.

6. Do students follow the state curriculum standards in language immersion programs?

  • Yes, our Spanish and English programs are aligned to state-approved academic content and standards. Students in language immersion programs are tested on the same material as students in traditional programs. The target language is not a subject; it is the language in which instruction is delivered.

7. Where is the program located?

  • HESD’s Language Immersion Program is located at Dogwood Elementary, 44 E Correll Road, Heber California.

8. Why is it okay to immerse English speakers in a language, but not Spanish speakers?

  • The English speaker is not at risk of losing the English language. English is spoken at home, in the community, and in the media. Dual-language immersion programs are not replacing English with another language, but provide the students the opportunity to acquire a second language. Dual-language immersion programs are additive programs in that a second language is acquired while maintaining the first language of the students.

9. What are the criteria for students to be in a dual-language immersion program?

  • There are no specific criteria for students except parental choice.

10. Who do I contact for more information?

  • You can contact Ms. Herrera, Dogwood Elementary Principal or Mrs. Marcial, Assist. Supt. of Teaching and Learning at (760) 337-6530 ext. 3011 or 2600.