We offer a Dual Language program in our elementary classrooms. In dual language programs, students are taught in two languages throughout their elementary and secondary education.
What is Dual Language?
Dual Language is a form of bilingual education in which students are taught in two languages. Currently our dual language program will include Spanish and English.
Farrell B. Howell will use a 90/10 Spanish Dual Language Program.
Which grade levels will have Dual Language options?
Starting in the new school year, the dual language program will start in ECE. We will add a grade level each year for students who have previously been enrolled in dual language programming to show Spanish proficiency.
Benefits of Dual Language
There are many benefits to being in a dual language program. Students in dual language programs do as well as or better academically than their peers in English-only settings and have the added benefit of learning a second language. Dual language students:
- Develop strong reading, writing and speaking skills in two languages.
- Often outperform monolingual peers on standardized assessments of math and English Language Arts.
- Develop cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate greater understanding, appreciation and respect for other cultures and languages.
- Are prepared for a globalizing world and job market.
90/10 Dual Language Model
The 90/10 dual language model emphasizes Spanish first for 90% of the day and English for 10% of the day. The emphasis on Spanish instruction in the early grades gives all students a jump-start on building a strong foundation in vocabulary and literacy skills in Spanish. As students progress through the program, more English will be introduced until students spend 50% of their day in Spanish and 50% in English. The skills learned in Spanish will transfer to English, so that all students leave bilingual and bi-literate. The table below shows the time spent in each language as a student progresses through the grade levels.
Learn more about Dual Language on the DPS website: https://mle.dpsk12.org/programs/dual-language/
