What are the benefits of being bilingual?
Being bilingual offers lifelong benefits for students academically, socially, and professionally. Students who learn two languages often develop stronger thinking skills, including problem-solving, memory, and the ability to focus and switch between tasks. Academically, bilingual students can access content and express their understanding in more than one language, which deepens comprehension and expands opportunities for success. Socially, being bilingual helps students connect with a wider range of people, build empathy, and better understand different cultures and perspectives. In the future, bilingualism also opens doors to more career opportunities and allows students to participate more fully in an increasingly global and diverse world.
Does the dual language program follow Oregon’s Common Core standards?
The dual language program follows state-mandated academic content standards. The target language is not a subject; it is the language in which instruction is facilitated with explicit and strategic linguistic connections to the partner language.
Who should participate in a dual language program?
Research shows that dual language programs are effective for a wide range of students and are especially beneficial when classrooms include a mix of native Spanish speakers, native English speakers, and students developing both languages. Studies consistently find that multilingual learners (English learners) experience strong academic growth and long-term achievement in dual language settings, often outperforming peers in English-only programs over time. At the same time, native English speakers also gain significant benefits, including higher academic outcomes, stronger problem-solving skills, and full bilingualism. Research also supports participation for students with diverse learning needs when appropriate supports are in place. Overall, dual language programs are most successful when they are inclusive, bringing together diverse groups of students who learn from one another while building strong skills in both languages.
What instructional model does the dual language program follow?
An 80/20 Dual Language model means that in the early grades, students spend most of their school day learning in Spanish (about 80% of the time) and a smaller portion in English (about 20%). As students move up in grade levels, the amount of English gradually increases until both languages are used equally. During the day, students learn important subjects like reading, writing, math, science, and social studies mostly in Spanish at first, while also building their English through a dedicated time for learning English (ELD), speaking, and early reading skills. This approach helps students build a strong foundation in both languages over time, rather than trying to learn everything in English right away.
A key part of the 80/20 model is helping students make connections between Spanish and English so they can learn both languages more easily. Teachers don’t mix languages randomly—instead, they plan specific moments to show how the two languages are alike and different. For example, they might point out words that look and mean the same in both languages (like información and information), or explain how sounds and sentence structures compare. Students may learn a concept in Spanish first and then talk about or apply it in English. These connections help students use what they already know in one language to grow in the other, making learning faster, deeper, and more meaningful.
How long would my student participate in the dual language program?
The dual language program is available for students as young as pre-k. Families are asked to commit to the program until 12th grade.
Can students join the dual language program after kindergarten?
While it's important to start the dual language program as early as possible, it's never too late to enroll. English speakers and emergent bilingual students can benefit by joining the program at any grade level. However, it's very important that students and families understand the significant challenge involved in developing academic proficiency in two languages. Full academic biliteracy takes four to seven years for students to attain; emergent bilingualism (the ability to engage in basic conversations) takes at least one to two years. To be successful, students need to put forth additional effort to commit to long-term participation in the program.
What is the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy? The Seal of Biliteracy is given in recognition of students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages by
high school graduation. It takes the form of a gold seal that appears on the graduates diploma. It is also indicated on their transcripts and is a statement of accomplishments for college admissions and future employers.
