- Melaleuca Elementary
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In-House Program
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Spanish Dual Language
What is Dual Language?
The two-way dual language program is a unique program in which students learn to read, write and communicate in both English and Spanish.
Our Dual Language program is a two-way immersion program in which students receive instruction in both English and Spanish. In our program, students spend 50% of the day learning in Spanish and the other half of the day learning in English. The goal is for students maintain their own language while developing proficiency in a second language. In addition, the program stresses the importance of developing cross-cultural competence. The Dual Language classroom is comprised of half native English Speakers and half native Spanish speakers. The program is unique in that it provides students with an opportunity to be fully immersed in both languages. The full immersion model allows students to progress academically in their native language while developing the skills to become bi-literate and bicultural.
Program Goals
Students will develop high levels of academic proficiency in their first language.
Students will develop high levels of academic proficiency in a second language.
Students will become fully bilingual and bi-literate.
Students will demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.
Benefits of Dual Language
Students are immersed in an additive bilingual environment that supports the development of both languages. Research studies indicate that participation in a Dual Language program can have positive effects for all students. Some of the benefits of participation in Dual Language include.
Students will demonstrate:
Enhanced levels of meta-linguistic awareness (i.e., knowledge of how language works) which has proven to be important to reading acquisition.
Improved performance versus monolingual students on tasks that call for divergent thinking, pattern recognition and problem-solving.
Additional knowledge and understanding of one’s native language.
Greater understanding, tolerance, appreciation, and respect for other languages and cultures.
Enrolling in Dual Language at Melaleuca Elementary
Students who live within Melaleuca’s attendance boundaries can request entry into the Dual Language Program during registration. Students, usually, enter the kindergarten and remain in the program through 5th grade. It is important that parents are committed to supporting their child’s growth as a bilingual learner throughout the full six years of the program.
FAQ
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What are the Characteristics of a Dual Language Program?
Students receive 50% of their instruction in Spanish and 50% of their instruction in English. Students receive literacy instruction in both languages. Some subjects are dedicated to specific languages, and the student receives instruction in one language. Students are expected to meet grade-level expectations in all subject areas. Teachers are skilled at ensuring students understand and learn content and skills as they acquire new language skills.
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Do parents need to be proficient in Spanish for students to participate in the Dual Language program?
No. Parents do not need to be proficient in Spanish. School newsletters and homework instructions are sent home in both languages. Classes are comprised of students who are native English speakers and native Spanish speakers. Many of their parents only speak the home language. Our teachers take great care to ensure parents and students are well-informed.
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How do dual language program students compare academically to other educational programs?
At Melaleuca, the students in the Dual Language program typically score at or above grade level in tested subjects. Initially, students may lag behind in reading development in their second language. However, they quickly catch up and typically score higher than their non-dual language peers on standardized tests.
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How long will my student remain in the Dual Language program?
Dual language programs are meant to be long-term programs. Students are expected to enter the program in kindergarten and remain through fifth grade. Dual language research indicates that it can take 5–7 years for students to acquire a new language. Students who may start off below grade level often catch up and exceed the achievement of their Non-Dual Language peers when they remain in the program.
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How can I help with homework if I don’t know Spanish?
Parents can support students at home by ensuring they have the right environment and tools to complete homework (e.g., a quiet space and enough time, paper, dictionaries in languages, writing utensils, and other supplies). Parents can also ask questions about the homework in the language spoken at home, thus giving the students opportunities to explain the assignment in their first language. Teachers take great care to ensure even the youngest students understand the expectations for homework. Don’t forget that you should always read with and to your child. Reading can be done in your native language and will help the child progress academically.
