After School
NEISD Afterschool Program Teaches ASL
Students in North East ISD are excited to be learning a second or even third language after school. High School students like Samantha Snider from
Bilingual Education and Dual Language Programs
In 1968, Congress mandated bilingual education with Title V11 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as the Bilingual Education Act. The objective of bilingual education is to provide immigrants access to education in their primary or first language. The Bilingual Education Act has been amended to address issues like funding, training and academic support, and eligibility.
The U.S. Department of Education describes a bilingual education program as “an educational program for limited English proficient students.” The term, “limited English proficiency” describes an individual whose primary language is not English. Challenges in reading, writing, and conversation, and/or communication deny that person an opportunity to fully participate in society.
Differences Between Dual Language and Bilingual Education
In bilingual education classrooms, students speak only in their native language. All instruction and interactions are conducted in the student’s primary language while they have an opportunity for an education.
In dual language schools and programs, half of the students speak in their native language and the other half are English language speakers. This benefits both groups, as one can learn from the other in a setting guided by an accredited dual language teacher.
Spanish immersion programs are designed so that English speaking students can become fluent in Spanish. Students might enter in first grade where 90% of the instruction and interactions are conducted in English. As students progress through school, the percentage taught in Spanish increases. By the time the student moves on to middle school, they are fluent in Spanish. Some public schools also offer French immersion programs.
Other programs that provide students an opportunity to expand their dual language skills include study abroad. Study abroad scholarships help offset the cost of travel to another country such as Spain, France, or Italy.
Bilingual education, dual language, and Spanish immersion programs are sought after by many parents, families, and students. Students reap valuable rewards from these programs.
Benefits to students involved in dual language
- Language learning leads to higher academic achievement on standardized test measures.
- Early language learning improves cognitive abilities
- Dual language learners develop a more positive attitude toward the new language and the speakers of that language.
Explore our regional dual language programs and bilingual schools
Dual Language Programs
Public schools offer dual language programs to promote inclusion and diversity for all students.
Harlandale ISD Dual Language Program
The Dual Language Program at Harlandale ISD provides a special program for students to learn and develop bilingualism and cultural awareness. 1,700 students from Pre-K to 8th grade participate in the program, and 110 bilingual teachers are dedicated to helping the students in studying and mastering both English and Spanish. The dual-language program increases job opportunities and the ability to succeed in future careers.
DUAL LANGUAGE NEWS
Alamo Heights ISD
Public Schools Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE AND DIVERSITY We celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month this year from September 15th to October 15th. The month honors anniversaries of independence
Dual Language
Edgewood ISD Provides Variety of Multilingual Services
EDGEWOOD ISD OFFERS A VARIETY OF MULTILINGUAL SERVICES Edgewood ISD Multilingual Services provides leadership and support throughout all EISD campuses. Programs include Dual Language, English as a
Dual Language
Edgewood ISD Showcases Early Childhood Education Programs
Edgewood ISD Showcases Pre-K Education Programs Edgewood ISD is proud to show off this video highlighting their outstanding Pre-K programs! Edgewood ISD offers full-day Pre-K and Kindergarten, free
Academics
San Antonio ISD’s Dual Language Academy Students Embrace Hispanic Culture
At Mark Twain Dual Language Academy in San Antonio ISD, all students are encouraged to embrace speaking Spanish and celebrate Hispanic culture. The school is
