Valle Dual Language - School District of Arcadia

WELCOME TO THE VALLE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM!

The Spanish-English two-way dual language program in Arcadia, Wisconsin is designed for families who would like their children to learn two languages while receiving the same high-quality academic curriculum as students in English-only classrooms.

THE GOALS OF A STUDENT IN THE DUAL LANGUAGE ARE:

Listen, speak, read and write in two (or more) language

Attain high levels of academic and social-cultural competence

Become lifelong cross-cultural learners and critical thinkers

Introduction

Valle Parent Meeting English

Valle Parent Meeting Spanish

WHAT IS A DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM?

Dual language programs are based on over forty years of research showing the advantages of learning a second language through academic content instruction. Our Spanish-English two-way dual language program is characterized by:

Class composition of approximately one third of students who are dominant in Spanish, one third who are dominant in English, and one third who are simultaneous bilinguals. (Simultaneous bilinguals have been exposed to both Spanish and English since birth in the home setting.)
Instruction integrates literacy and academic content knowledge in both languages.
Curriculum focuses on challenging, age-appropriate academic skills and knowledge aligned to standards for all students.
Focus on understanding of cultural differences and how those are expressed through language.

MISSION

The Dual Language Program exists to provide opportunities for advanced biliteracy, multiculturalism, and multilingualism and to prepare socioculturally competent participants so they will succeed in a culturally diverse world.

VISION

The Dual Language Program aims to become a model of excellence in two-way dual language education.

Benefits

Student Groups	Benefits
English Dominant Students	English dominant students develop proficiency in two languages English dominant students score as well or better than their English dominant, non-peers on standardized tests of math and English language arts English dominant students develop a positive sense of self and demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors
Spanish Dominant Students	Research shows that students who receive native language instruction were able to catch up to or surpass the achievement levels of peers who were educated in English-only mainstream classrooms. Students become literate in Spanish without sacrificing their English language development (Baker 2011).

Research shows numerous benefits for students who participate in dual language, including:

Educational: Students who learn literacy in one language can transfer those skills to their other language.
Cognitive: Students who understand two languages show more cognitive flexibility, creative thinking and problem solving abilities compared to monolingual students of the same age.
Socio-cultural: Understanding another language and interacting with students from diverse backgrounds promotes cultural awareness, greater understanding and tolerance.
Economic: Knowing two or more languages enhances employment opportunities when students enter the workforce.

Program Model

Students will begin Kindergarten with 80% of their instructional time in Spanish and 20% in English. The percentage of instruction in Spanish will gradually decrease while the percentage of instruction in English will increase.

Grade 1: 70% in Spanish and 30% in English
Grade 2: 60% in Spanish and 40% in English
Grade 3: 50% in Spanish and 50% in English
Grade 4: 50% in Spanish and 50% in English

All students will receive initial literacy in Spanish. Key vocabulary terms and concepts will be taught through cross-linguistic connections to facilitate language transfer. Concepts and terms are not simply translated but will be taught in both languages. The strategic use of language by the students and teacher increases the development of full proficiency in both languages.

Grade	Spanish				English
Grade K	Math, Science,Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies				English Language Arts, Specials
Grade 1	Math, Science, Spanish Language Arts			English Language Arts, Specials, Social Studies
Grade 2	Math, Spanish Language Arts, Social Studies		English Language Arts, Specials, Math Number Corner
Grade 3	Math, Spanish Language Arts	English Language Arts, Specials, Science, Social Studies, Math Number Corner
Grade 4	Math, Spanish Language Arts	English Language Arts, Specials, Science, Social Studies, Math Number Corner

*Tentative curricular plan - may be adjusted

The typical class size is 25 students, but this number may be adjusted based on staffing, family interest, and students leaving the district. Classes will be composed of approximately one third of students who are dominant in Spanish, one third who are dominant in English, and one third who are simultaneous bilinguals. (Simultaneous bilinguals have been exposed to both Spanish and English since birth in the home setting.)

Timeline

Date	Action
Mid January	Parent information sessions January 19th, 2024 at 8:00 AM and January 22nd, 2024 at 6:00 PM Resident and Non-resident parents fill out Valle Dual Language Program enrollment form.
March 15	If necessary, students are drawn from a lottery to create the class. Residents will be given priority Remaining students not selected for initial placement will be placed on a waiting list.
March 20	Parents are notified of program placement or waitlist status.
March 20-April 1	To secure placement, parents complete the School District of Arcadia online registration forms in Infinite Campus AND Valle Dual Language contract
April 1-15	Waitlisted families will be notified if seats are opened based on waitlisted priority.