Dual Language Program

The goal of Uplift's dual language immersion program is for scholars to attain full proficiency in Spanish as well as English. This program provides ongoing instruction in literacy and academic content in English and Spanish.

The most current research shows that Dual Language Immersion programs are effective at narrowing the academic achievement gap between emergent bilingual students and non-emergent bilingual students (TX EDLIF). National research indicates that five years of enrollment in a dual language instructional model provides the child with an additional seven months of learning in Language Acquisition as opposed to a monolingual instructional model (Steel, et al).  That means that this program is highly beneficial to both English speakers that want to learn a second language AND Spanish speakers that may be English learners.

Our partners at Ensemble Learning highlight six additional benefits: Benefits_of_Dual_Language_Programs.

There are multiple models for offering dual language, but a one way and two-way Dual Language Immersion program means that your child will receive instruction in Spanish and in English every school year through 5th grade. The exact percentage of time will adjust over the course of a scholar’s education. For example, in Pre-K, up to 90% of instruction may take place in Spanish. As a scholar advances into upper primary, the percentage of time will eventually shift to 50-50, to account for the more advanced coursework, and to prepare scholars for Middle School where instruction for all subjects will be in English.

This is a very common question. Many parents are initially fearful that immersion may have a negative impact on their child’s English language development. You may be surprised to learn that the opposite is true. Research consistently finds that the immersion experience enhances English language development (Cloud, Genesee, & Hamayan, 2000). Research shows that students who achieve advanced levels of proficiency in two languages often demonstrate higher academic, cognitive, social, and economic outcomes than monolingual students.

English learners will continue to receive English literacy instruction from certified bilingual teachers. Teachers and scholars will continue to follow mandatory Texas standards and curriculum, and they will be held to the same standards of rigor and performance on the state assessments. The staff will continue to execute Uplift’s mission and vision of excellence, socioemotional learning, and global-mindedness. The only difference is the language of instruction.

There is no previous ability required to speak Spanish to enter the Dual Language Immersion program. We encourage families that speak English or other languages at home to consider Dual Language Immersion as an option for their scholars. Dual Language teachers receive special training to make information meaningful through instructional strategies such as visuals aids, gestures, and hands-on activities.

Moreover, a lot of developmental research demonstrates that children’s brains are BEST primed to absorb a new language at a young age. That is one of the reasons we are introducing this program at Prekindergarten and Kindergarten levels.