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Dual Immersion Program

Fostering a thriving community through bilingualism, biliteracy and intercultural competence

Spanish Dual Immersion Program Overview

The Spanish Dual Immersion Program in Bend-La Pine Schools is a research-based two-way immersion program model. The program begins in kindergarten, and continues through high school graduation. Students learn to understand, speak, read and write fluently in both English and Spanish. These bilingual skills are shown to increase critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. In a class balanced with both native English and Spanish speakers, children learn their regular school subjects through both languages, and often outperform their monolingual peers in both languages over time. Spanish Dual Immersion students also develop strong intercultural competence skills as a result of this enriching educational model.

State of OR Seal of Biliteracy logo

 

Seal of Biliteracy - The State of Oregon offers a Seal of Biliteracy to high school graduates who demonstrate advanced oral fluency and academic achievement in two languages. Obtaining this recognition on a diploma is a rigorous process, and is recognized by employers and universities around the state. Bend-La Pine Schools' Dual Immersion Program offers a local pathway to support our students who wish to pursue this special honor.

Family Commitment

Dual Immersion parents will be asked to:

  • Understand and support the program design
  • Agree to a long-term commitment to the program
  • Participate in school meetings and activities
  • Encourage child's bilingual learning efforts
  • Appreciate and support diversity and cultural awareness

Goals

  • Students will develop high levels of oral language and literacy in both English and Spanish, and will perform at or above grade level in all academic areas by fifth grade.
  • Students will develop a positive self-image, intercultural competence and appreciation for diversity.

"In Bend-La Pine Schools, we want every student to be embraced by a learning community that knows them and wraps them in a culture of felt safety. Our Dual Immersion program nurtures this culture and develops biliterate and bilingual students to better enter and impact the greater global community." 

Dr. Steven Cook, Superintendent

Host Schools

How to Enroll

Each spring, incoming kindergarten applicants participate in a lottery. If there are more applicants than spaces available, a wait list is created. Families who wish to enter after the kindergarten lottery must have prior Spanish experience - a late-entry process will be conducted to determine appropriate placement in the program. Applications are available at each host school, and on the district website.

Late Entry Application Form (open year round): English (PDF), Spanish (PDF)

Elementary Stage

The best way to develop biliteracy is to begin early. Our program is structured to enrich Spanish-speaking children's heritage language while they acquire English. English-speaking children acquire Spanish fluency, at no cost to their native English language or academic success. Our program follows an "80/20" delivery model.

Grade Level Instruction in English Instruction in Spanish
Kinder 20% 80%
1st 20% 80%
2nd 30% 70%
3rd 40% 60%
4th/5th 50% 50%

Middle & High School

When students leave elementary school, they continue to strengthen their Spanish and English skills through graduation. In the secondary stage, half of student's core courses are delivered entirely in Spanish, and half in English. For example, in 6th grade, our students take language arts and social studies courses in Spanish, while math and science courses are delivered in English.

Contact Us

Kinsey Martin

Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, & Equity,
Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator

Dalia Juarez

Policy & Advocacy Operations Coordinator; McKinney Vento Spanish Liaison 
541-355-6454

Stephanie Boni

Elementary Dual Immersion Program Coordinator 
541-355-1478

Kolina Watt-Garcia

Secondary Dual Immersion Program Coordinator
541-355-5050