Dual Language Immersion
What is Dual Language Immersion (DLI)?
In the DLI classroom, 50% of the students are English speaking and 50% are Spanish speaking. Students work together to learn to speak, read, write and understand one another’s language. Students in Grades K-1 are taught language arts, math, science and social studies primarily in Spanish (80% of instruction). In Grades 2-3, there is a gradual increase in English instruction until a 50:50 balance of English/Spanish instruction is reached in Grade 4 that continues through Grade 6. DLI program teachers are specially credentialed and trained to teach in both English and Spanish.
Spanish speakers build a strong base in Spanish and are more successful as they learn English. English speakers have maximum exposure to Spanish in the primary grades when the brain is most receptive to learning a new language. To fully benefit from the program and meet program goals, students must stay with the program through 6th grade.
What are the benefits for my child?
Children in the DLI program have the opportunity to:
- Achieve at higher academic levels (based on research).
- Access more future educational and job opportunities.
- Learn to speak, read and write in both English and Spanish.
- Foster a deeper appreciation of other cultures and diversity.
- Better performance on tasks requiring divergent thinking, pattern recognition and problem solving.
- Learn from DLI program teachers who are specially credentialed and trained to teach in both English and Spanish.
- English speaking students will have maximum exposure to Spanish in the primary grades when the brain is most receptive to learning a new language.
- Spanish speaking students will build a strong base in Spanish and gain success as they learn English and gain an appreciation of their own Latino culture, gain stronger self esteem, and preserve a connection to the family's native tongue and bridge communication across generations within the family.
- Dual language students will have all of these benefits!
What are the goals of Dual Language Immersion?
There are three major goals for the program:
- Bilingualism and biliteracy - the development of high levels of proficiency in both English and Spanish
- Academic achievement - high levels of academic performance in two languages
- Multiculturalism - increased understanding of other cultures and ability to successfully participate in a global society
Who can apply for the DLI Program?
All students entering kindergarten may apply. The DLI program is hosted at Glenwood School but accepts students from throughout the district. To apply:
All students entering kindergarten may apply. The DLI program is hosted at Glenwood School but accepts students from throughout the district. To apply:
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Register your kindergarten student at your school of attendance in the district
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Submit a completed one-page DLI Program Application (see form at right)
- We will contact your to schedule your child for a language assessment
How will applicants be selected to participate?
All applicants will be assessed for language proficiency in English and/or Spanish. This assessment helps us determine if the DLI Program is a good fit for your child. There are a limited number of spaces available and a balance of English and Spanish speakers must be maintained. If there are more applicants in either language group than spaces available, a random drawing will be held to select participants and establish waiting lists.
All applicants will be assessed for language proficiency in English and/or Spanish. This assessment helps us determine if the DLI Program is a good fit for your child. There are a limited number of spaces available and a balance of English and Spanish speakers must be maintained. If there are more applicants in either language group than spaces available, a random drawing will be held to select participants and establish waiting lists.
Priority for spaces in the kindergarten class each year will be given to Robla Preschool DLI students, siblings of DLI students and families living in the Glenwood School attendance area.
How are parents involved?
Parents are valued partners in the DLI program. Parents must:
Parents are valued partners in the DLI program. Parents must:
- Understand and support the program goals
- Agree to a K-6 commitment to the DLI Program
- Agree to participate in program meetings and activities
2023/24 DLI APPLICATIONS
Robla Preschool
(916)927-0136
Glenwood Elementary
(916) 922-2767