Dual Language Immersion
Simpson Elementary Dual Language Immersion Program
Welcome to Our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program!
We are excited to introduce the brand new Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Simpson Elementary, starting this school year for incoming Kindergartners. This program is designed to enrich education and prepare our scholars for future success by fostering bilingualism and biliteracy.
Our Mission
Enriching Education for Future Success
We value bilingualism and biliteracy as ways for our scholars to stand out and become valuable assets in their future careers. Our mission is to provide an enriched learning experience that promotes a balanced bi-literate environment full of resources that will support their growth and inspire their future.
The Dual Immersion Experience
The DLI program at Simpson Elementary aims to develop:
Character Education
Entrepreneurial Skills
Social Engagement
Community Involvement
Cross-Cultural Exposure
Research Insights
Studies have demonstrated:
- Teaching literacy through the partner language does not place students at risk in their development of the two languages. By third or fourth grade, they usually score at least as high as native English speakers from monolingual classrooms on standardized tests of reading achievement.
- Bilingual children have better executive control and cognitive flexibility.
- Effective programs incorporate family and community engagement, leading to higher student grades, higher achievement, higher language proficiency, better social skills, and higher graduation rates and enrollment in postsecondary education.
Program Overview
Our district offers a K-8 pathway for Dual Immersion. Our school will offer a 90/10 model spanning grades K-5, in which scholars are expected to acquire Spanish as a second language. Our goal is to prepare our scholars for life beyond elementary school by building and supporting foundational skills that help them become both bilingual and biliterate.
90/10 Program Model
Scholars serve as models for one another in the target language, helping to reinforce and support language acquisition.
Classroom Composition:
- 1/3 of scholars who speak English only
- 1/3 of scholars who speak Spanish only
- 1/3 of scholars who are bilingual
Proficiency Progression Timeline:
Spanish learners are expected to progress one Spanish language proficiency level annually, following a common path to second language development.
Curriculum:
- Reading, speaking, and writing in Spanish
- Participating in multicultural activities
- Presenting in class, school, and parent events
- Having pride in being bilingual
- Achieving the Seal of Biliteracy
Meet Our Future DLI Teacher
We are excited to have our very own Mrs. Barragan-Carlos to lead our DLI program implementation. With 18 years of experience in dual language education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to support your child in this rigorous program.
Her credentials include:
- GATE Certified
- GLAD Trained
- LETRS (Science of Reading) Trained
- AVID Trained
- English Learner Facilitator
- ELD / SLD Support
- Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
- Masters in Reading / Language Arts
- Strategic Facilitator
Parent Support
Parents can support our scholars by encouraging them to speak, read, and write in the target language as much as possible. Available resources include:
- Footsteps to Brilliance
- Rosetta Stone
- Duolingo
- EPIC Books
- VOOKS
- RAZ Kids
- Library books in Spanish and English
Community Engagement Opportunities
Get involved in planning cultural and family events to build connections with our community, such as:
- Latino Heritage Month
- Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
- Cinco de Mayo Performance
- Classroom Support
- Family Meetings, Workshops, ELAC, & PTA
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our Dual Language Immersion program and working together to achieve success in both languages!