Dual Language
What is Dual Language?
Dual language education is a form of education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. The majority of dual language programs in the United States teach in English and Spanish, although increasing numbers of programs use a partner language other than Spanish, such as; Arabic, Chinese, French, Hawaiian, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese, or Korean. At the Grandview School District, this will be primarily English to Spanish.
Dual language programs use the partner language for at least half of the instructional day in the elementary years. At GSD, we will begin offering dual language in Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) and Kindergarten classrooms in all three elementary schools starting in the fall of 2024.
As dual language students reach high school, most will be able to qualify for the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy. This honor is recognized at graduation, and goes on their transcript to demonstrate their bilingual and biliterate abilities to colleges and future employers. At GSD, we offer students the opportunity to earn this at the beginning of middle school.
What are the goals of Dual Language education?
The goals of dual language education are to help students:
- Become bilingual and biliterate with high levels of proficiency in both languages.
- Perform at or above grade level in academic areas in both languages.
- Develop positive cross-cultural attitudes and global understanding.
Vision and Mission of Dual Language
The vision of the GSD Dual Language program is for students to be: Bilingual, Biliterate, Bicultural. Our mission at GSD is that we envision a transformative Dual Language Program that celebrates linguistic diversity, fosters bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competence, and empowers students to thrive in a global society. The goals of the dual language program are to help students: Become bilingual and biliterate, developing high levels of proficiency in two languages. Perform at or above grade level in academic areas in both languages. Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.
GSD TTK-K+ Dual Language Program
Grandview has a Spanish/English Two-Way 80:20 Dual program with bilingual staff dedicated to the success of our learners. Spanish Proficiency will be measured using the STAMP test.
GSD Content & Language Allocation Plan
Content & Language Allocation Plan Overview Here
Who is eligible for the Dual Language Program?
- English Learners with Spanish as their first language.
- Incoming Multilingual learner Kindergarden students who reside in the Grandview School District.
- Next Priority-siblings in program.
- Lottery system -English-speaking families if the demand is greater than spots available.
- Families willing to make full-time K-5 commitment and effort to support success.
What is required of parents/guardians?
- 6-year commitment (K-5th)
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Read with your child daily in their primary language
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Ask teachers how you can help
For further questions please contact your child’s school.
Dual Language Interest Form
Bilingual Educators: Transforming Lives through Dual Language Education
Dual Language Education and Resources
Washington Association For Bilingual Education
Center For Teaching For Biliteracy
FAQ's
- Are Dual Language Students Integrated With Other Programs at School?
- Who should participate in Dual Language program?
- How well does dual language education work?
- What are the benefits of learning two languages?
- How can parents be involved in dual language education?