Dual-Language Immersion Program (DLI)

Dos Caminos School has transitioned to a two-way Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Model. The program began with Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year. Each year, an additional grade level will be added following this cohort with school-wide implementation in the 2028-2029 school year. The model selected is 50% daily instruction in English and 50% daily instruction in Spanish.

The goal of the DCS Dual Language program is for students to develop high levels of language proficiency and literacy in English and Spanish languages, demonstrate mastery of California Content Standards, and develop an appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures. Students will have a foundation to earn the California Seal of Biliteracy to accompany their high school diploma.

The three pillars of the Dos Caminos Dual Language Immersion Program are:

• Bilingualism and biliteracy: Students develop high levels of linguistic proficiency in both languages - English and Spanish.
• Academic achievement: Students achieve high levels of academic proficiency in both languages.
• Sociocultural competence: Students develop an understanding and appreciation of multiple cultures, including recognizing and valuing diversity, fostering a positive identity, and developing the skills to navigate different cultural contexts.

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Model: Designed to develop bilingualism and bi-literacy in English and Spanish.  The major goals of the dual language immersion model are for students to develop full proficiency in both languages, including literacy, cross-cultural understanding, and proficiency in academic achievement at or above grade level.

Two-way DLI model:  When two, or more, groups of students are learning the two languages, that program is considered a two-way dual language program. Not all students have the same first language (L1). Some will have English as their L1 while others will have the partner language - Spanish.  In a two-way dual language program, students - whose L1 is English - learn the partner language as L2.  Students whose home or heritage language is L1 learn English as L2.  In this case, both will learn L1 and L2, becoming bilingual and bi-literate.  Since each group is a native speaker of their L1, they serve as a natural language model of a proficient speaker in that language.  

50/50 Model:  Dos Caminos School is a 50-50 model each day – 50% instruction in English and 50% instruction in Spanish. In this configuration, the proportion of instruction in each language is equal from the beginning of a student’s school career in kindergarten and maintained at this level in the two languages at all subsequent grade levels.

 

Dos Caminos Dual Language Immersion

Content Allocation Plan

 

We are excited to share with you important information about our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Content Allocation Plan, a strategic approach to instruction that supports your child’s journey toward becoming bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.

Our team has worked closely with DLI expert Karen Beeman and the Center for Teaching for Biliteracy, to ensure that our program reflects the most current research and best practices in dual language education. This partnership has helped us design a model that meets the unique needs of our students while promoting strong academic outcomes in both languages.

What is the Content Allocation Plan? In a dual language setting, it's essential to carefully decide which subjects are taught in each language, and how language development is integrated into content instruction. Our plan outlines how we distribute academic content across our 50% English and 50% Spanish model.

Based on our work with the Center for Teaching for Biliteracy, our plan includes:

• Strategic Allocation of Language by Content Area: Subjects such as math, science, and social studies are taught in either English or Spanish, with intentional language goals connected to the content.
• The Bridge: A vital component of biliteracy instruction where students transfer knowledge from one language to the other. This supports cross-linguistic connections and deepens understanding.
• Language Separation with Intentional Connections: While each language is used purposefully and separately for instruction, we make explicit connections across languages to reinforce learning.
• Planning with the Biliteracy Unit Framework: Our teachers are developing Biliteracy Unit Frameworks to align standards, content, and language objectives, ensuring that instruction builds biliteracy over time.

 

Dos Caminos Content Allocation Plan 

   

Why This Matters? Extensive research, and the experience of successful dual language schools across the country, shows that students in well-structured dual language programs:

• Perform at or above grade level academically
• Develop high levels of proficiency in two languages
• Gain cognitive, cultural, and social benefits that last a lifetime

By following this model, we are preparing your child to thrive in a multilingual and multicultural world.

What You Can Expect

• A consistent structure where students know which language they are learning in and why
• Language-rich environment - 50% English and 50% Spanish each day.
• Clear communication with families about your child’s progress in both languages

We believe that bilingualism and biliteracy are powerful assets, and we are proud to offer a program grounded in expert research and best practices. If you have questions about the Content Allocation Plan or the Dual Language Immersion program, please don’t hesitate to reach out.