Spanish DLI
Dual Language Immersion is a unique educational model where children learn to think, read, write and communicate naturally in two languages: English and Spanish. Native Spanish and native English speaking students study together, beginning in kindergarten through 6th grade, to be biliterate in both languages.
Academy Goals
Bilingualism & Bi-literacy:
Students think, listen, speak, read, and write with a high level of proficiency in English and the partner language.
Parent Partnership:
Consistent parent engagement significantly impacts students’ academic and social success
Academic Excellence:
Students attain academic excellence by meeting or exceeding grade level standards, across all subject areas, in both languages.
Multicultural Understanding:
Students cultivate an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and empower their involvement in world issues within a global society.
Program Model
The 90/10 model is proven to be the most effective approach in acquiring and mastering two languages at high levels of proficiency. For an authentic immersion experience, students receive 90% Spanish and 10% English instruction in kindergarten. English is gradually increased by 10% each year until they reach 50% English and 50% Spanish daily instruction by 4-6th grade.
90:10 – The first number ‘90’ refers to the percentage of instructional time initially spent for instruction in the target language (Spanish) in Kindergarten. The second number ‘10’ refers to English. In our 90:10 model, the amount of the target language decreases yearly as English increases until there is a 50:50 balance of the languages generally in grades four through eighth.
Schools in AESD with a DLI Academy
23 schools at Anaheim Elementary School District have a Spanish Dual Language Immersion program.
Pathway to the Seal of Biliteracy
The intent of the Pathway to the Seal of Biliteracy Award is to encourage students in the Dual Language Academy to continue their path to biliteracy as they progress through elementary school. Students who meet local criteria at the end of kindergarten, 3rd and 6th grade will be recognized for their successful academic achievement by being granted the Pathway to Seal of Biliteracy Award.
- Orally identify primary colors (red, yellow, blue, green, orange, brown, purple, black) in the partner language
- Count in numbers one through 100 in the partner language
- Write dictated numbers from 0 to 20.
- Follow 3-step instructions in the partner language (as observed by the teacher)
- Produce simple greetings in the partner language (such as hello, good morning, good bye, etc.)
Method One: Assessment – All 3 criteria must be met
- LAS Links Español Oral Language score of Level 3 or above
- Spanish STAR Reading Instructional Reading Level (STAR IRL) of 2.5
- Teacher Observation of academic discussions in English and partner language level 4 as measured by OPTEL
Method Two: Portfolio
A portfolio of language experiences consists of evidence of all of the following:
- Pathway writing prompt response in target language based on grade level writing application standards with a rubric score of 3 or above
- Writing Prompt: Can use district writing prompts or the following: What is your ideal job when you grow up? How will bilingualism play a role?
- Reading logs of 5 books read independently in English and 5 books read independently in Spanish. Range of books must be between 2.0 or greater with an interest level of LG (Lower Grades).
- Oral presentation in Spanish with a rubric score of 15 or above (i.e. recording, TED Talk, podcast, create read-aloud recordings, book/movie review)
Method One: Assessment – All 3 criteria must be met
- California Spanish Assessment (CSA) score of Standard Nearly Met (Level 2) higher OR LAS Links Español overall score of Proficient (Level 4) or Above Proficient (Level 5) OR Spanish Star Reading Instructional Reading Level (IRL) of 4.5 or higher.
- English Language Arts/Literacy Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment score of Standard Nearly Met (Level 2) or higher OR STAR Reading Instructional Reading Level (STAR IRL) of 4.5.
- Teacher Observation of academic discussions in English and partner language level 4 as measured by OPTEL
Method Two: Portfolio
- Reading logs of 10 books read independently in English and 10 books read independently in Spanish. Range of books must be between 4.0 or greater with an interest level of either MG (Middle Grades) or UG (Upper Grades).
- Pathway writing prompt response in each language based on grade level writing application standards with a rubric score of 3 or above.
- Oral presentation in Spanish with a rubric score of 15 or above (i.e. recording, TED Talk, podcast)Community Service: 10 hours of community service that requires use of Spanish language skills. School site determines a community service activity that requires the child to use their bilingual skills. For example, a student can read a book or tell a story in Spanish in a preschool, Kinder, or first grade classroom or support translation at a district event.
