What are the criteria for students to be enrolled in the Dual Immersion Program?

There are no criteria for students to enter the lottery except parental choice.

I’ve heard of different models for immersion programs. What is the BCSD model?

The DI magnet school at Alturas Elementary is a 50:50 model, meaning students learn about half of the core content in English and about half in Spanish each day. It is a two-way immersion program, meaning about half of the students are native English speakers and about half are native speakers of the target language, which, in this case, is Spanish. 

The BCSD continues dual immersion through grades 6-8 at Wood River Middle School. Students in dual immersion take both a world language Spanish class and a social studies class in Spanish each year. Once students attend Wood River High School, they progress through Spanish language classes up through AP Spanish Language and take the required humanities courses, as well as select from a list of elective classes in Spanish to obtain recognition as a DI completer at graduation. 

How can students who are monolingual learn when they are instructed for about half the time in a language they don’t understand?

Reading and understanding the research on which these programs are based best answers this question. Two-way immersion programs are based on years of research, originating in the language immersion models in Canada designed for English speakers learning French. This model, in which English speaking students have been instructed in French for up to 100% of their day, shows students perform as well as or better on tests of English than their English speaking peers who have been instructed only in English. Over forty years of results on two-way immersion programs show similar results. For more information, please visit the resources listed on the BCSD DI page, particularly CARLA and CAL.

What is the latest grade that my child can enter the Dual Immersion program?

Although ideally, all students enter in Kindergarten, we recognize that certain circumstances may prevent this from happening in all cases (such as a family moving into the district with older children). The principal of the school has the ultimate discretion, but he/she will confer with parents, teachers, and other administrators or specialists to determine best placement for the student. Native Spanish speaking students may be recommended to enter the program at higher grade levels if space allows.

If I enroll my child in Dual Immersion in Kindergarten, what kind of commitment am I making for the future?

Upon entry into the program, as a parent/guardian, you will be asked to sign the Parent Letter of Commitment. Due to the nature of learning a second language, we ask for at least a K-5 commitment but encourage completion of the program upon graduation. Of course, under extenuating circumstances, teachers and administrators will work with parents who are interested in their child exiting the program to determine best placement.

I don’t speak both languages. How can I help my child at home?

It’s ok. We do not expect that all parents speak both Spanish and English. Speak and read to your child in your native language. Most literacy skills transfer from one language to another. Therefore, your child will learn to read and write in their second language much more quickly if you help provide them with a strong foundation in their first language.  

How can I support my child’s language learning efforts outside of the classroom?

There are many ways to encourage and support your child’s second language learning efforts, including visiting local or other locations where the language is spoken, attending events held in the second language, watching videos, reading, and connecting with a playmate of that native language. Speak with your child’s DI teacher(s) for specific ideas that pertain to your child’s interest and grade level.

How does the lottery work?

After Kindergarten registration each spring, the district lottery is held. See the link on the DI website for the lottery date, process and informational meetings to learn more.