DL Program Overview

Dual Language Program 90/10 Model

Our Dual Language Program at Valley Elementary follows a 90/10 research based model. That means that in the primary years of school (kindergarten and first grade) 90% of instruction is delivered in Spanish, while 10% is provided in English.
As each year progresses after first grade, the time in English instruction increases by 10% per year to achieve a 50% Spanish and 50% English ratio by 5th grade.
Formal English Literacy instruction occurs in 3rd grade, the first year students receive Language Arts instruction in English including formal English phonics and Spelling.
Math instruction occurs in Spanish from Kindergarten through 5th grade.

The following graph represents the percentage of instruction that happens in Spanish and English.

Program Design

The Two-Way 90/10 Model:

Dual Language classrooms are integrated with an equal number of English- and Spanish-speaking students. In preschool, kindergarten and 1st grade, students learn in Spanish for the majority of their day. Gradually more subjects are added to the English part of their day. Students begin formal English reading instruction in 3rd grade. By the 5th grade, instruction is evenly divided between Spanish and English. Students may learn History and Science in Spanish, while they study Math and Language Arts in English.

Curriculum: Students in Valley’s Dual Language Program learn the same core curriculum that is taught in mainstream English-only classrooms. The only difference is that Spanish is the language used for instruction. Academics are fully integrated with Valley’s mainstream education program with the goal of meeting and exceeding both District and State standards in all subject areas in both languages.
Language Arts: Houghton-Mifflin Lectura
Math: Houghton-Mifflin Expresiones
Science: Pearson
Spanish and Writing: Hampton-Brown Via Libre

Philosophy:

The DL Program treats bilingual/biliterate skills as an asset. Students who are bilingual and biliterate not only have the opportunity to improve their chances for academic and career success, but also to develop cross-cultural understanding and respect.

If you have questions about our program, e-mail the program coordinator: Maritza Maldonado at [email protected]