Bilingual Proficiency:

●      Develop high levels of proficiency in both English and the partner language (e.g., Spanish) among all students, regardless of their initial language proficiency.

          Biliteracy Development:

●      Foster the development of biliteracy, enabling students to read, write, listen, and speak fluently in both languages. The goal is for students to achieve academic success in both languages.

          Academic Achievement:

●      Promote academic achievement at or above grade level in all content areas, ensuring that students excel in subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts in both languages.

          Cultural Competence:

●      Cultivate cultural competence and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Dual Language Education often aims to create an inclusive environment that values and respects the cultural backgrounds of all students.

          Cross-Cultural Understanding:

●      Encourage cross-cultural understanding by exposing students to diverse perspectives, traditions, and customs associated with the language and culture studied. This helps students develop a global mindset.

          Positive Identity and Self-Esteem:

●      Foster positive identity development and self-esteem among students by validating their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Dual Language Education aims to create an environment where students feel proud of their bilingual and bicultural identities.

          Language Maintenance and Development:

●      Support language maintenance and development among students from homes where the partner language is spoken. This is particularly important for students in language-minority households.

          Transferable Language Skills:

●      Develop transferable language skills that go beyond the classroom context. Dual Language Education strives to equip students with linguistic skills that are applicable in various real-life settings.

          Parent and Community Engagement:

●      Promote active involvement of parents and the community in the educational process. Dual Language Education often seeks to establish strong partnerships with families, encouraging their participation in language-related events and activities.

          Long-Term Language Proficiency:

●      Aim for long-term language proficiency that extends beyond elementary school. The goal is to provide a foundation for ongoing language development and academic success throughout students' educational journeys.

          Global Citizenship:

●      Cultivate global citizenship by preparing students to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world. Dual Language Education often emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering global understanding.

These goals collectively contribute to the overarching mission of Dual Language Education in California, which is to provide students with a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that prepares them for success in a multilingual and multicultural society.

Overview

At Los Banos Elementary, we proudly present our Dual Language Immersion Academy. This dynamic educational pathway equips students with the capability to speak, read, and write in both Spanish and English fluently.

Our DLI program will prepare our students for a global, ever-changing and competitive world. Our students will be self-confident individuals who feel connected to two cultures, two languages and their community.

The journey to becoming proficient in both languages is an enriching experience that spans several years, with foundational enrollment primarily starting in kindergarten. In the early years of our program, Spanish serves as the primary medium of instruction, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in the language and culture. As students progress, English is systematically integrated into their learning, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive bilingual education.

This program is more than just language learning; it's about opening doors to new perspectives and opportunities for our students, preparing them for success in a multicultural and multilingual world.

Grades TK-2

All subjects are taught in Spanish.

●      Kindergarten—10% English instruction

●      First Grade—20% English instruction

●      Second Grade—30% English instruction (2024-2025)

Grades 3-4

English language arts are formally introduced in third grade.

●      Third grade—40% English instruction (2025-2026)

●      Fourth grade—50% English instruction (2026-2027)

Grades 5-6

Instructional time is evenly divided between English and Spanish.

 The two languages are used separately during different periods of instruction.

 ●      Fifth grade (2027-2028)

●      Sixth grade (2028-2029)

Duration of the Program

Program participants and their families are expected to make a minimum six-year commitment to the Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program. This duration of enrollment ensures full development of both Spanish and English language skills. English speakers may enter at the TK, Kindergarten, or first-grade levels. Bilingual students may be admitted at any grade level depending on their level of literacy in Spanish and their oral English proficiency.

Language Separation

The instruction in Spanish and English remains distinct, ensuring a focused immersion in both languages. Teachers refrain from relying on translation for comprehension, opting instead for a variety of second language acquisition techniques that enhance understanding for all students.

At the Kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade levels, teachers engage in class exchanges during the English portion of the day. This intentional approach allows students to associate one teacher specifically with Spanish instruction and another with English. This unique structure further supports students in navigating and embracing the bilingual learning environment.

Experiential Curriculum

Teachers create a learning atmosphere that necessitates the use of the target language for genuine communication purposes. This strategy fosters the development of language abilities through practical, hands-on classroom activities. In such experiential environments, students are better able to connect vocabulary with activities, enhancing their language acquisition through direct engagement.

Classroom Composition

The optimal composition for a dual language immersion classroom balances 40% English-speaking students with 60% Spanish-speaking students. However, the program remains effective provided that the representation of either language group does not dip below 35% of the total class population.

This balanced composition is essential to:

●      Ensure a linguistically equitable environment,

●      Support mutual learning opportunities for students of both language backgrounds,

●      Foster social interactions between Spanish- and English-speaking students,

●      Enhance cultural awareness and appreciation across the student body.

Parent Participation

Parent engagement plays a crucial role in the success of any Dual Language Immersion program, embodying a partnership not only with the schools but also within a bilingual community.

We actively encourage parents to participate in classroom activities and school events. Additionally, supporting language development at home is highly valued. Our monthly newsletters provide insights into the thematic units being explored in each class, offering practical advice for parents to extend these learning themes at home. Homework is designed to reinforce classroom learning, with instructions provided in both languages to accommodate all families.

Staff Participation

Every instructor within our Dual Language Immersion program holds a bilingual teaching credential and possesses native or near-native proficiency in Spanish. This expertise is further enhanced by the support of resource teachers and instructional aides.

To ensure our teaching staff remains at the forefront of bilingual education, all instructors participate in annual conferences dedicated to bilingual and dual immersion pedagogies. These professional development opportunities allow our educators to stay informed about the latest findings in cognitive science and second-language teaching methodologies. Additionally, they provide a platform for our teachers to explore the most current educational resources designed for second-language learners.