Dual Language Program  

Provides development of billingualism and biliteracy for all students

Located in the border with Mexico, Hidalgo ISD is committed to producing a high level of bi-literacy among all graduates. Currently, the program runs through the 5th grade, and will be expanded to the secondary level.

The goal of the Dual Language Program is for the children to be proficient in two languages, understand and appreciate other cultures and have a high self-esteem among all students, families and the community. Literacy development and reinforcement mechanisms are in place to assist the linguistic and cognitive needs for all students.


Outcomes & Objectives
  • Proficient in two languages
  • Understanding and appreciation of other cultures
  • High self-esteem among all students, families and the community
 

Two Way Model (50/50 Model)

-To provide initial literacy in the child's primary language. (Pre-K & K)
-To utilize learning centers in Pre-K to 2nd grade and resource centers in 3rd to 5th grade.
-To incorporate cooperative learning via bilingual pairs.
-To deliver subject-area instruction in a heterogeneous setting using one language.
-To conduct instruction in either English or Spanish, without translations.
-To teach Language Arts in the child's primary language and in the child's second language (1st-5th).
Implementation of the 50/50 Model

1. Initial literacy is provided in the primary language of the student. (Pre-K & K).

2. Language Arts is provided to all students in English/Spanish (1st-5th).

3. Learning/Resource centers play a major role for children working in bilingual pairs.

4. All content area instruction at all grade levels, will occur in heterogeneous group and will be thematically based. (L1L2 Specialized Content Vocabulary Enrichment).

5. Subject areas are taught in one language to a heterogeneous group.

6. Literacy development and reinforcement mechanisms are in place to assist the linguistic and cognitive needs of all students.

7. Rigorous standards and assessments for all curricular areas in both languages are clearly defined and stated. (TEKS/TAKS).

8. Students are instructed by highly qualified teachers that are proficient in both languages. (Bilingual certification required).

9. Parent involvement and understanding of the program ensures academic achievement and success of the program.