Dual Language Program

A dual language program has instruction in two languages. Students in the program in LWSD are both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers. Dual language classes have both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers. In this program, language learning happens through content instruction. Subjects such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies, are taught to all students in English and/or Spanish. The program begins in Kindergarten and continues each year at the elementary level. We are also developing a dual language program to continue into middle and high school.

The Lake Washington School District has a history of providing a variety of educational program choices for students. We are developing a Spanish dual-language program as another choice for students and families. The goals for our program are for students to:

• Be bilingual: to speak fluently in English and Spanish
• Be biliterate: read and write fluently in English and Spanish
• Demonstrate high academic achievement
• Develop multicultural skills 

•  After 4-7 years in a dual language program, students have been shown to do as well or better than their peers not in the program.
• Students develop bilingual and bicultural skills.
• Students develop a positive sense of self and school, and multicultural skills.
• Students appreciate and respect their own language and culture.
• Students value Spanish and English.
• Students who are bilingual and biliterate will have skills for more career opportunities.
• It is expected that by 2023 more than half of students ages 5-19 in the Western United States will speak a language other than English at home.
• Native English speakers learn Spanish best through immersion in the language.

Becoming proficient in conversational language typically takes 3-5 years for students in a dual language program. After 4-7 years, students are able to speak, read, and write at the same or higher academic level as grade-level students who are not in the program. The benefit for the students in the dual language program is they are able to do it in two languages. For this reason, we are developing the dual language program to continue through elementary school and into middle and high school.

Our dual language program will include both native English and native Spanish-speaking students. During the school day, instruction is given in both languages. In general, in grades K-1 the language division is 80% Spanish and 20% English, and in grades 2-5 it's 50-50. For example, math may be taught in Spanish, science and social studies in English, and reading and writing in both languages. In the program native English and native Spanish-speaking students work together throughout the day. They have opportunities for communication in both languages.

Students participating in a dual language program learn the same subjects as students in other classes. These include reading, writing, math, science, social studies, physical education, art and music. Subjects that are taught in Spanish include instructional materials in that language.

Since students are learning subjects in two languages, school success occurs at different rates than for students who are not in a dual language program. After 4-7 years, students in dual language programs usually perform at or above the academic levels of students not in the program. They are also biliterate and bilingual. So, it’s important for families to know that the benefits of a dual language program are best accomplished after several years. In order to ensure the benefits of this program, it is important for students to stay in the program for at least 6 years. 

Choice Schools and programs are optional, created to meet specific needs and interests. They are designed to be smaller. Choice programs use approaches that are different from traditional public schools. Choice Schools and programs are often held within a school or on the same campus as another school.

Students must apply to be considered for enrollment in the school or program: the schools are small by design, so enrollment is limited. Each dual language class contains both native Spanish speakers/heritage speakers and English speakers. Heritage includes those who were born and raised somewhere else but maintain/ learned the language through their parents/family.

Teachers spend the first days of school creating routines for students. They help students to get to know each other and their new class. They also help them to become familiar with the school. As with all transitions sometimes students feel nervous about the experience. Children need time to adjust to this new challenge. From the start, the students are made to feel secure. Be patient. By the end of the first month, most of the students are over the initial change. At the same time, many students are also more comfortable learning in their native language. When your child comes home, do not be upset if he/she does not feel like telling about his/her day at school. Children often are very tired after their day and need a change at home. If you have any concerns at all, your child’s teacher is always available to help.

For students to be successful in a dual language program, they need to participate every year in grades K-5. In addition, we are developing a middle school program for students who want to continue their learning after elementary school. Parents enrolling their children in the program are asked to commit to keeping their child in it through the end of elementary school.

At this time, transportation is not planned to be provided by the district and would be a parent responsibility.

Robin Imai, Principal Einstein Elementary
rimai@lwsd.org, 425-936-2540