What is Dual Language education?
Dual language education provides the opportunity for students to learn literacy and content in English and another language. Programs begin in preschool or Kindergarten and extend through fifth grade. There are two different types of dual language programs in Crowley ISD: one-way or two-way dual language. One-way dual language programs are made up of Spanish-speaking students. Two-way dual language programs are made up of fluent Spanish-speaking students and English-speaking peers.
At its core, dual language programs cultivate bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism, exposing students to the diversity of languages and cultures while also reaching for academic success through instruction in two languages.
Dual Language Education Goals
• Become bilingual and bilaterate with high levels of proficiency in both languages.
• High academic achievement in academic areas in both languages.
• Develop effective cross-cultural attitudes and global understandings.
Biliteracy or mastery of two language systems means being able to manipulate those two languages in our everyday conversations and in academic settings. This enhances our cognitive skills. Education is all about academic proficiency and cognitive proficiency: the ability to think, the ability to problem-solve, and the ability to think critically.
Dr. Leo Gómez, Author and Co-creator of the Gómez and Gómez DLE Model
