Dual Language Program Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School
2215 NE 104th St.
Vancouver, WA 98686
The Dual Language Program
The Dual Language Program is a challenging academic program designed to provide instruction to students in two languages—English and Spanish. The goal is to develop literacy in both languages by the fifth grade. The program is optional, and currently includes kindergarten through fourth grade. Fifth grade will be added in 2009-10.
Each of the dual-language classrooms is comprised of approximately half Spanish-speaking and half English-speaking students. Approximately 50 percent of the curriculum is taught in each language. Reading and writing skills are taught entirely in the student’s primary language until the student develops basic proficiency, generally by second or third grade. At that time, students begin receiving 50 percent literacy instruction in Spanish and 50 percent in English.
Program goals
• Increase achievement for all students.
• Achieve bilingualism and “biliteracy” of participating students.
• Increase student cooperation, cultural sensitivity, and self-esteem.
• Increase culturally responsive teaching throughout the school.
• Foster cultural diversity and respect among all students.
• Promote a sense of community throughout the school.
Parent participation and commitment
To ensure achievement and success, it is necessary for families to commit to the program for six years (kindergarten through fifth grade). Active parent support is extremely important to the long-term success of the Sarah J. Anderson Dual Language Program. Involvement in the classroom, helping your child with homework, attending parent workshops, and providing feedback are necessary.
Features of a dual language program Students have the opportunity to achieve bilingualism and biliteracy in Spanish and English.
• Students learn languages more easily at an early age.
• Immersing and instructing students in the second language provides an effective setting for students to learn to speak, read, and write fluently in both languages by fifth grade.
Bilingual students generally demonstrate greater academic gains.
• Research shows that students in dual language programs develop strong academic skills in addition to becoming proficient in both languages.
Students develop cultural sensitivity and strong self esteem.
• By working cooperatively in linguistic pairs, students develop mutual respect and esteem.
• Students develop greater self-confidence and cultural sensitivity in this setting.
The teachers are highly trained and professional
• Our staff is carefully selected and trained in effective instructional strategies for second language learners.
Student selection
Students already enrolled in the Dual Language Program do not need to reapply to continue in the program. However, students on the waiting list will not be carried over from last year’s list. Students on the waiting list need to reapply to the program each year. New students are accepted into the program through a lottery drawing of applicants for spaces available.
Applications will be accepted beginning March 3. A lottery drawing will be held June 4 at 4 p.m. to fill open spots for the 2009-10 program.
Sarah J. Anderson students have the first priority for openings in the program. Students from outside the Sarah J. Anderson boundaries will be accepted on a space-available basis according to district policy on boundary exceptions.
Parent Information Nights
Additional information about the philosophy and design of the Dual Language Program is presented at Dual Language Information Nights held at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School. Parents only need to attend one session. Childcare is provided.
2010 Parent Information Night Schedule (Information is provided for the 2010-11 school year.)
English Evening Nights April 14, 2010 • 6:00 p.m. May 12, 2010 • 6:00 p.m. English presentation for parents interested in the Dual Language program
Spanish Evening Nights April 21, 2010 • 6:00 p.m.
May 19, 2010 • 6:00 p.m. Spanish presentation for parents interested in the Dual Language program
