What is Dual Language Education?
Dual language Education is an academic approach that promotes the development of bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy. In Dual Language programs the curriculum is delivered in two languages through a full range of disciplines. The students in Dual Language schools are expected to develop not only literacy skills but also academic knowledge in all subject areas.
Why is it important?
Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for Dual Language programs throughout the United States due to its linguistic and academic benefits. In fact, Dual Language educational programs have become so extremely popular that many school districts have implemented iton their campuses in some form.
What are the advantages of Dual Language educational programs?
Some of the benefits related to Dual Language programs are:
High levels of academic achievement. Research shows that students enrolled in Dual Language programs improve their academic performance in standardized test.
Increased bilingualism and biliteracy. Dual language programs are focused on developing the abilities to speak, read, and write in two languages.
Improved cross-cultural competence. Students in these programs develop their ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures.
Moreover, some studies suggest that bilingualism enhances children’s thinking skills.
Basic Dual Language Programs
There are two basic Dual Language education models that vary in how time is allocated for instruction in each language.
The 90-10 model. In this model, the language other than English is used 90% of the time in early grades, and a gradually increasing proportion of instruction is done in English until sixth grade, when both languages are used equally in instruction.
The 50-50 model. In the 50-50 model, students learn in each language about half the time throughout the program. Time for the two languages may be divided in various ways –half day and half day, alternate day, or even alternate week. A variation of this model implies dividing the language of instruction by content areas rather than time.
VCS's Dual Language Education Model
Our model is a modified 50-50 approach. In this model, each content area is taught consistently in one language with embedded literacy in the other language, so there can be more continuity in lessons that extend over several days. According to this, the language of instruction will be divided among the diverse subject areas as follows:
Language Arts. The instruction will be delivered in English.
Mathematics. The instruction will be delivered in Spanish.
Science. The instruction will be delivered in Spanish.
Social Studies. The instruction will be delivered in English.
Additionally, our program will provide Learning Centers with activities and materials available in English and Spanish. Our goal is that each student develops literacy in both languages.
Also, we will establish a component called “Language of the Day” which implies the use of English or Spanish in alternate days. The language of the day will apply to all language used in school by all students and staff other than during mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts instruction.