NISD Dual Language Immersion

2021-2022 NISD Dual Language Campuses:

NISD DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
PROGRAM GUIDELINES

For School Year 2021-2022 available at campuses listed above & below:

• From grades K-5: Howsman, Monroe May, Gregorio Esparza, Passmore, Villarreal & Wanke

• From grades K-4: Ellison & Mora

• From grades K-3: Burke, Ward, Leon Valley, Fisher, Forester, Myers, Cole & Knowlton

• From grades K-2: John Glenn, Langley, Martin & Westwood Terrace

​Each subsequent school year another grade level will be added to these campuses until they all offer dual language services K-5.

Pre-Kinder dual language will also be available starting in the 2020-2021 school year at the following campuses: Burke, Gregorio Esparza, Fisher, Howsman, Leon Valley, Myers, Passmore, & Villarreal.  Families who qualify for Pre-K at these campuses can submit an application to participate in this program beginning June 1st on the Dual Language Application website.  A valid six digit student ID number corresponding to the above listed schools will be required.  The Pre-K dual language lottery will occur on July 31st and families will be notified the following week of acceptance or waitlist status. 

Dual language immersion (DLI) The dual language immersion two-way bilingual program model in Northside is research-based. The dual language model seeks to create bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural students by developing their academic proficiency in English and Spanish. This program serves K-8 English learners and Non-English learners at six elementary schools and two middle schools. It serves 1,744 students at the elementary level and 168 at the middle school level. ELs who are reclassified may continue participating in the dual language program (TAC 89.1210). 

Rationale
Dual language immersion programs provide a positive school environment for all students with access to qualified teachers who participate in continuous training and professional development at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels in instructional design that promotes academic achievement, bi-literacy and bilingualism.

Classroom Structures / Models
Traditionally elementary campus programs begin at Kindergarten adding a grade level each ensuing year.  6th – 8th grade DLI programs are available at selected middle schools (Stinson & Sul Ross Middle Schools)

Elementary Schools
NISD Dual Language Campuses implement the 90/10 Classroom Model.  Schools following the 50/50 DLI program model will be phased out by the school year 2022-2023.

Dual Language classroom compostion whenever possible:

50% English learners (EL); 50% native English speakers (Non-EL)

When a Dual Language Immersion classroom cannot be filled based on the recommended percentages listed above, additional EL students must be placed in the Dual Language Immersion classroom to complete a 23:1 ratio.  Any additional EL students enrolling after the 23:1 ratio is reached will need to be enrolled in the Transitional Bilingual Program. 

Student Eligibility and Criteria 
EL students will be automatically considered for DLI program pending available space.  All other EL students will receive the State mandated transitional bilingual education program.

Non-EL students may enter into the DLI program following the order of consideration:

Group Order for Interested Students on a Space Available Basis
Group 1—Students with siblings in the program at the campus or students that live with in the attendance zone
Group 2—Students living within the cluster
Group 3—Out of cluster students

A lottery will be necessary if the campus principal determines that the number of interested Non-EL students exceeds the available seats, based on the above group order.

Middle Schools
Available at Ross and Stinson Middle Schools 2 – 3 subjects will be taught as dual language courses, including social studies, science and Spanish. Watch this video for more information about the middle school program.

Parental Approval 
Parents must provide written approval for all students participating in the program offered by the district. Students must follow the Northside Independent School District parental approval process.  Parents must submit an application and a commitment form with an understanding of the long-term commitment required to maximize the benefits of participation in the program. Deep language learning and high cognitive development takes time, which requires a 5 year commitment at minimum to the program.  

Parents may obtain applications and commitment forms from the dual language campus of their choice. Submission of an application and commitment form does not guarantee participation in the program. 

Expectations for Parents

• support their children’s linguistic, academic, and socio-cultural development
• commit to completing the elementary program
• participate in a minimum of three meetings per year regarding the DLI program or academic achievement
• promote, advocate, and support the DLI program.
• commit to participation in the program for a minimum of 5-6 years
• encourage use of the second language at home and in the community

Expectations for Students

• participate in the DLI program in the elementary grades
• participate in dual language activities during and after school, as available
• use the second language at home and in the community
• value multiculturalism
• maintain high levels of  learning, conduct, and attendance

Transfers and Transportation 
Existing district transportation, cap and cluster and DLI choice transfer policies will be followed.   Students must have been in the NISD Dual Language Immersion Program for at least one grading period in order to be considered for entry into a Dual Language Immersion Program at another school pending space availability.  Transportation is the responsibility of the family should a transfer be necessary for program participation. 

Staffing & Staff Development Requirements for Dual Language Program

Elementary teachers must:

• Hold bilingual/ESL certification 
• Meet highly qualified criteria established by the Department of Human Resources

Middle School teachers must:

• Hold certification in content area to which they are assigned
• Be screened by the Department of International Languages with a written and oral examination in Spanish
• Meet highly qualified criteria established by the Department of Human Resources

NISD EGA LOCAL
The following goals serve as the underlying framework of the Dual Language Immersion Program:

• the development of fluency and literacy in English and another language with the integration of English speakers, paying special attention to English learner (EL) students participating in the program
• the promotion of bilingualism, bi-literacy, cross-cultural awareness, and high academic achievement in an international community
• the involvement of parents, business and community members in the Dual Language Immersion Program
• the Dual Language Immersion Program will be offered to students in grades K-8
• the Dual Language Immersion Program will address all curriculum requirements specified in Chapter 74, Subchapter A, of Title 19 (relating to Required Curriculum) to include foundation and enrichment areas; and
• the Dual Language Immersion Program will be staffed with certified bilingual teachers able to deliver a high-level of academic instruction in English as a second language and the assigned language of instruction.

90/10 Program Design Model

***Students learning with a 90/10 dual language program model begin with the majority of their instruction in Spanish. For the Spanish-speaking English Language Learner, this means they are allowed to maintain their native language and develop necessary literacy skills in their first language. For the Native English Speakers, this is essentially a Spanish immersion program. The advantage to both student groups in this program model is that each classroom has both Native English Speakers as models and Native Spanish Speakers as models.

Please, click here to see the entire PK-8 Dual Language Trajectory

Click here to find out more information about Dual Language Programs

Updated 02/02/2021