About the Program

  • History of the Program

    The SMCISD Dual Language Immersion Program was initiated in the 2017-2018 school year in order to better serve our students who are not proficient in English upon PK-5 grade enrollment, as well as provide an enrichment opportunity for students wanting to learn Spanish as a second language.

    Program Goals

    The pillars of our program include achieving 1) bilingualism and biliteracy, 2) high academic achievement, and 3) sociocultural awareness for our participating students. At its foundation, the program highlights the importance of closing achievement gaps between student populations.

    Language Allocation 

    Beginning at the PK level, students participating in the program are immersed in a 90/10 split between Spanish and English, where 90% of the instruction is facilitated in Spanish, with 10% facilitated in English. The immersion process is key to developing fluency in both languages. Over the course of the subsequent grades, Spanish is reduced and English is increased, with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades evenly split at 50% Spanish and 50% English.
     

    Secondary Spanish Language Options

    With over 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide and more than 20 Spanish-speaking countries, SMCISD understands the opportunities that bilingualism will afford our students and families. Subsequently, we are dedicated to continuing the development of academic Spanish development at our secondary campuses.
     
    Aside from our Spanish Languages Other Than English (LOTE) courses at SMHS, we offer a course option in 7th and 8th grades that is available for students who completed dual language participation in elementary.
     
    In 7th grade, students are encouraged to enroll in Discovering Languages and Cultures. Upon successful completion, students will receive an elective credit toward their high school graduation requirements.
     
    In 8th grade, students are encouraged to enroll in Spanish II. Upon successful completion, students will receive a language credit for Spanish II and be credentialed for Spanish I. Successful completion of Spanish II will award students the two language credits required for high school graduation.