1. Dual Language Oakley Elementary School Kindergarten, Spring 2015

2. What is Dual Language? Dual Language is a method of instruction where at least 90% of the day is spent learning in a non-native tongue (in OES’s case, Spanish) in Kindergarten – 10% English. Dual Language is a method of instruction where at least 90% of the day is spent learning in a non-native tongue (in OES’s case, Spanish) in Kindergarten – 10% English. It is a program who’s goal it is to create Bi-Lingual learners It is a program who’s goal it is to create Bi-Lingual learners It is an approach to learning that takes advantage of the brain’s ability to acquire multiple languages at an early age – creating better, more efficient, cross-lobial learners It is an approach to learning that takes advantage of the brain’s ability to acquire multiple languages at an early age – creating better, more efficient, cross-lobial learners

3. Why the need? Prepare our students better for the global economy challenges. DL programs foster bilingualism, bi-literacy. DL creates enhanced awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity Longitudinal studies show high levels of academic achievement through instruction in two languages. (Collier and Thomas 2006)

4. Why Dual Language? Positives  Creates Bi-Lingual Students  Full Closure of Achievement Gap  Works for all ethnic, language, or socio- economic groups  Cognitive Development  Cost to implement is low  Parent Involvement Challenges  Time Commitment  Starting slowly, not school wide  Full Gap Closure not achieved until 5 th grade  Personnel  Parent Involvement

5. Who should enroll in DL?  High quality research conducted over a long period of time has shown that students from a variety of different backgrounds, including students with disabilities can be successful in Dual Language Programs.  (Howard, Sugarman, & Christian, 2003)

6. Sra. Matus Talking Points to Ponder…

7. Questions, Comments, and/or Concerns