DIAS is a dual language or two-way bilingual immersion program where two groups of students are engaged in second language study for 5-7 years in an effort to develop high levels of bilingualism (the ability to speak fluently in both Spanish and English) and biliteracy (the ability to read and write in both languages).
|
(In public immersion programs) parents are getting far more education for their kids and they are getting it for free... - Kathryn Lindholm-Leary, PH.D.
|
In dual language immersion programs, language learning takes place primarily through content instruction. Academic subjects are taught to all students through both English and the target language. As students and teachers work together to perform academic tasks, the students' language abilities are developed, along with their knowledge of content area subject matter.
Based on the 90:10 model in the first two grades (90% Spanish and 10% English), Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas (DIAS) students incrementally increase the amount of English to a 50:50 model in the upper grades. In addition, the school offers Smart Start, a full 100% Spanish Immersion preschool offered to three to five year-old children (no Spanish background is required) as well as a transitional kindergarten.
|
Students in dual language programs are presented with the social and cognitive benefits of bilingualism. They gain a second language, a broader vocabulary, and multiple views of the world. In order to acquire these benefits, the program sets out to accomplish the following goals:
|
- The New York Times, January 2015
Traditionally, these children (English-language learners) were taught almost exclusively in English. But new research suggests that while these students can take more time to get on grade level in a dual-language program, by late elementary or middle school they tend to perform as well as or better academically than their peers and may be more likely to be reclassified as proficient in English. |
The educational program at Dual Immersion Academy of Salinas (DIAS) integrates native English speakers and native Spanish speakers for the entire school day, with the goals of promoting high academic achievement, first and second language development, and cross-cultural understanding for all students.
|
"Our nation can only grow stronger if all of our children grow up learning two languages. Our global economy demands it; our children deserve it." - Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley
|
Search our website |
|
STAY CONNECTED
|