Dual Immersion (DI) Program: A Pathway to Biliteracy in English and Spanish
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ECESD Dual Immersion (DI) Program: A Pathway to Biliteracy in English and SpanishThe El Centro Elementary School District Dual Immersion offers a K-8 pathway to biliteracy, bilingualism, cultural proficiency, and high levels of academic achievement for each student. Our program helps prepare them for success in college and career as well as our ever changing global society. Our team includes students, parents, teachers, staff, and administration. As a team, we provide opportunities for our students to grow and flourish as well-rounded citizens.
Two Pathways Available: 90/10 Program and 50/50 Program
Our district offers a 90/10 two-way Dual Immersion (DI) program in Spanish and English at Harding Elementary School.
The program begins in TK or Kindergarten with 90% Spanish instruction. First grade is also instructed 90% in Spanish. There after, the program increases the English instruction by 10% per grade level until it reaches 50% English and Spanish in the 5th and 6th grades.
Our district offers a 50/50 two-way Dual Immersion (DI) program in Spanish and English at Lincoln Elementary School.
The program begins in TK or Kindergarten with 50% of instruction in Spanish and 50% of instruction in English through grade six.
Students who complete the elementary programs continue in the Dual Immersion program at Wilson Jr. High School with two periods of instruction with the target language being Spanish.
Our DI programs are unique educational programs designed to develop bilingualism and biliteracy in English and in Spanish, high levels of academic achievement, and cultural proficiency. Instruction is provided by properly credentialed teachers. Students not only work on standards as required for every student in the ECESD, but in addition they will ultimately become fluent in two languages.
Program Goals
Bilingualism and Biliteracy - Students develop high levels of thinking, listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in the English and Spanish languages.
Bilingualism and Biliteracy - Students develop high levels of thinking, listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency in the English and Spanish languages.
High Levels of Academic Success - Students strive for academic excellence in all subject areas, meeting or exceeding District and Common Core State Standards.
Cultural Proficiency - Students develop positive attitudes and appreciation toward world languages and cultures in our global society, promoting their involvement in world issues.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in our Dual Immersion program for TK or Kindergarten, please contact our school principals to set up an appointment.
Lincoln Elementary School-50/50 DI Program
Lupita Perez, Principal
760-352-3060
Harding Elementary School-90/10 Program
Norberto Nunez, Principal
760-352-4791
ENROLLMENT
Eligibility- All students residing in the El Centro Unified School District may enroll in the DI program during the open enrollment period. The candidates will be considered on a first come first serve basis to meet program guidelines for the two-way model and achieve classroom balance. Research indicates that in order to have an effective program the class needs to be composed of a percentage of students who are Spanish dominant, and students who are English dominant to contribute to the development of both languages. This will be considered when selecting candidates to build the classes.
- Any student may apply to enter the program in Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten. Any students requesting enrollment after kindergarten will be considered for enrollment on a case by case basis. Students may be considered for the program after Kindergarten provided they can demonstrate language skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the program. The principal, or designee determines placement.
Open Enrollment for ECESD Residents
Enrollment for non-ECESD Residents
- As will all kindergarten enrollment for the District, enrollment takes place at the school.
- Priority Enrollment is offered to siblings of students currently enrolled in the DI program.
- During Open Enrollment, families wishing to enroll incoming kindergarten students in Dual Immersion will need to petition for intradistrict placement to participate in the DI program. Transportation will not be provided for intradistrict students.
Enrollment for non-ECESD Residents
- Families living outside of ECESD must request an Inter-district Transfer from their district of residence stating participation in Dual Immersion Program.
- Once the Inter-district Transfer is approved, parents will need to register at the DI school.
- The Inter-district transfer process must be followed annually for continued enrollment in the ECESD DI program.
- Once enrolled in the DI program, students remain enrolled automatically unless disenrolled by the parents or the school.
- Disenrollment of a student will be done in consultation with parents and the principal and may involve other stakeholders.
- Families in the DI program at ECESD from outside of the district must renew their inter-district agreements annually to attend ECESD.
