Dual Language Program

Preparing Your Child For Their Future

Uplift Education is excited to start offering a one-way and two-way, Dual Language Immersion program (Spanish and English) at five select Primary Schools in Prekindergarten,  Kindergarten, and 1st Grade.

Over time (five to seven years of continuous enrollment in the dual language program), learners will attain full proficiency in Spanish as well as English., 

Dual Language Program Campuses

Campus
Uplift Grand One-way PK, K & 1st
Uplift Meridian One-way PK, K & 1st
Uplift Triumph One-way PK, K & 1st
Uplift White Rock Hills One-way PK, K & 1st
Uplift Wisdom Two-way PK, K & 1st

One-Way and Two-Way Dual Language Programs.

In our one-way dual language program, Spanish-speaking students acquire proficiency in two program languages, English and Spanish.  A one-way program consists of scholars who are fluent in the partner language (Spanish) and qualify for language services.

Our two-way dual language program takes a collaborative approach, bringing together English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students to learn in both languages. A two way program consists of 50% scholars who are fluent in the partner language (Spanish) and 50% English speaking peers.

Uplift’s Dual Language Immersion program aims to empower students with the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural tools needed for success in a dynamic and interconnected global landscape.

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The Academic Advantages

Uplift Education’s commitment to a seamless dual language pathway ensures that students who embark on this journey in their early years continue to excel academically in high school, maintaining their bilingual proficiency and cognitive advantages. 

  • Higher standardized test scores and improved performance in core subjects.

  • Enhanced cognitive skills, including better problem-solving abilities, heightened creativity, and improved critical thinking.

  • Cultivates cultural competence, where scholars foster a deeper understanding for diverse perspectives. 
Helps Communicate The Academic Advantages Of An Best Charter School Texas Education

Studies demonstrate long-lasting academic advantages in high school after successfully completing a dual language program in primary school.

FAQs

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.

As you can imagine, it takes a high level of skill and training to teach in a dual language program. Teachers must have a bilingual certification and proficiency in two languages. For our first year, we are focusing on campuses in communities that have already expressed interest and enthusiasm for this type of program. As our program grows, we will continuously evaluate the needs and interests of Uplift families to determine future sites.

 

In the meantime, we have been intentional about selecting sites at all major geographic regions within Uplift, so all Uplift families would have the ability to access a dual language school if desired. If your current Uplift school will not offer Dual Language Immersion next year, you may request a transfer to the nearest Dual Language Uplift school.

It takes approximately 5-7 years to gain language proficiency in a second language. To ensure coherence of learning, it is important to start with a strong foundation and build year-over-year. For these reasons we accept Dual Language Immersion students to begin in PreKindergarten. Kindergarten or 1st Grade, growing one grade level each consecutive year. As our program grows, we will continuously evaluate the needs and interests of our Uplift families. It is important to know that the Texas Education Agency only allows Dual Language Immersion in primary schools; once your scholar reaches sixth grade, all instruction will be in English.

You should complete the online application and enrollment process at Uplift Education as usual (If you are seeking to transfer to a dual language immersion school, please select one of the 5 campuses: Uplift Grand, Uplift Meridian, Uplift Triumph, Uplift White Rock Hills, and Uplift Wisdom). Seats will be limited for the dual language immersion program at these sites.

 

Once you are accepted to enroll/re-enroll at the Uplift school, you will have the option to indicate preference for dual language in your enrollment paperwork. As a reminder, the application to be included in the lottery is due by the end of January for the following school year.

On-Demand Webinar

We understand that attending live sessions may not always be feasible for busy parents, which is why we’re thrilled to offer this on-demand video webinar as a convenient alternative. Whether you’re considering enrolling your child in our Dual Language program or simply want to learn more about the benefits of bilingual education, this webinar is designed to provide you with valuable insights and information. 

Join us as we explore the unique features of our Dual Language program, highlight its impact on student learning and development, and address common questions and concerns. We’re excited to share the transformative power of bilingual education with you, and we hope this webinar serves as a valuable resource in your decision-making process.

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