Dual Immersion

What is Dual Language Immersion?

Dual language immersion is a way to learn academic content while acquiring another language at the same time. Students receive math, science, or social studies instruction in a target language, such as Spanish or Chinese. Because of the teaching strategies used, the students learn the concepts and skills for the subject area and develop the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in another language.

The goals are for the students to develop literacy skills in both English and the target world language such as Spanish or Chinese while attaining academic achievement that is at or above their grade level as measured by end of level testing.

Furthermore students will develop a world cultural sensitivity. We strive to prepare our district's students academically, linguistically and socially for the challenges and needs of our global community.

Participation in a dual language immersion program is considered to be a comprehensive educational experience.  Beginning in the first grade, paired English and target language teachers collaborate to support student mastery of both the core content standards and target language skills in a full day program.  It is our expectation that students who participate in the language immersion experience participate fully in the school academic day and its prescribed instructional design.

Benefits of Enrolling in Dual Immersion

There are many benefits to raising a bilingual child. Bilingualism increases mental flexibility and gives students a better understanding of how language functions. Bilingual children often outperform monolingual children on verbal standardized tests. Additionally, bilingual children maintain a strong sense of their own identity while developing sensitivity towards other people and cultures.

Many students who learn a second language are more willing and able to learn a third language as well, giving those students a head start on college admissions and the competition for in-demand career opportunities.

Finally, research has shown that Dual Language Education programs are an extremely effective learning environment for English Language Learners who often outperform their peers who are in English-only classrooms when measured on standardized assessments in English (Thomas and Collier, 2005).

Important Information

Dual Immersion Schools in BESD

School

Language

Grades*

Contact

Garland Elementary

Spanish

1-5

Principal Vanica Crane

Golden Spike Elementary

Chinese

1-5

Principal Shaylyn Ekins

Lake View Elementary

Spanish

1-5

Principal Jeff Morris

North Park Elementary

Spanish

1-3

Principal Dax Sederholm

Willard Elementary

Spanish

1

Principal Heather Godfrey

Three Mile Creek Elementary

Spanish

2-5

Principal Mary Heslop

Young Intermediate

Chinese, Spanish

6-7

Principal Randy Rasmussen

Harris Intermediate

Spanish

6-7

Principal David Lee

Box Elder Middle

Chinese, Spanish

8-9

Principal Lewis Whitaker

Bear River Middle

Spanish

8-9

Principal Coerina Fife

Box Elder High

Chinese, Spanish (Bridge)

10-12

Principal Jamie Kent

Bear River High

Spanish (Bridge)

10

Principal AJ Gilmore

*Reflects grades for the current school year.

For more information about our Dual Immersion program, contact Jeremy Young at jeremy.young@besd.net