One Way Dual Language FAQ

1. Will all ELL students be in the One Way Dual Language Program? (ESL students in Non-Title I Schools)
No, it means that only ELL students who qualify for the bilingual program in grades PreK – 1 for 2007-2008 will be in this program. 

2. What happens to a French speaking student that doesn't speak English? Do they enroll in this program?
No, a French speaking student will need to be tested to see if he/she qualifies for ESL Program.

3. Will Cedar Brook continue their program? What is the difference in the two programs?
Yes, Cedar Brook will continue with the Two-Way Dual Language Program.  The main difference between a One-Way and the Two-Way program is that the One-Way Dual Language Program includes second language learners of mixed English level proficiencies and the Two-Way Dual Language Program matches native English speakers with native Spanish speakers. The One-.Way Dual Language program is the district’s official bilingual program. 

4. What subjects are taught in English in PK-1 next year?
Math only

5. How is this different than the current bilingual program we have in place?
The current bilingual program dictates percentages of English Language Acquisition per day, whereas, the new One Way Dual Language teaches through specific content classes per grade level.  In addition, Language of the Day provides practice in both languages.

6. What will happen to 2nd - 5th grade students since they do not get One Way Dual Language?
These students will continue working in the current bilingual education model.  Adjustments to the current model are being made to assure English Proficiency and exit from the bilingual program by fifth grade. 

7. How does this program phase in if not everyone gets it the first year?
All bilingual students in PreK-1 will be in One-Way Dual Language Program.  This is the district’s bilingual program for these students in 2007-2008.  Every following year an additional grade level will be added to program.

8. What happens to a Special Education/Bilingual student? What program do they use?
All bilingual students in the One-Way Dual Language Program will continue to be eligible for any services for which they may qualify- example: Gifted and Talented and Special Education. 

9. What is the Language of the Day? Will it be campus wide? District-wide?
Language of the Day is a component of the One-Way Dual Language Model, and it is a source of the Basic Interpersonal Cognitive Skills (BICS) that students will acquire during transitioning times.  Language of the Day will be implemented to the extent possible.  The district will set guidelines to establish Spanish and English days (district-wide).

10. What if I am an art, music or health fitness teacher who doesn't speak Spanish?
The role of the elective teacher is to understand the program and its goals as well as to support and implement Language of the Day to the extent possible.  For example, if an English only PE teacher works with a bilingual para professional, the para professional may use Spanish for instruction and assisting the students when Spanish is the Language of the Day.

11. Why would we designate subjects to teach in Spanish when our goal is to teach the students English?  
The goals of the bilingual program in SBISD are:

1. High levels of Language 1 and Language 2
2. High academic achievement at or above grade level
3. Positive cross cultural attitude
4. Belief that bilingualism/multilingualism is an asset.

12.  What is language acquisition?     
It is the process one goes through to learn a second language.       
  
13. Will students be grouped differently than they are currently grouped?
Students will be grouped heterogeneously.  Principals will give consideration to the students’ linguistic ability. 

14. What do I do if I teach with a teacher on my grade level that doesn't have a thorough command of the English language?
Principals have the discretion to assign teachers to team teaching to take advantage of each teacher’s strengths.

15.  What is the philosophy behind this model?
The philosophy of the One Way Dual Language model is to provide students with an academic, linguistic and multi-cultural enrichment program so that by grade 5 students are bi-literate and academically successful in English.   

16.  Why was Math chosen as the content class to teach in English?
Mathematics was selected to be instructed in English because Math is less language dependent than Science or Social Studies; also, Math is a more concrete subject with numerous manipulatives available. 

17.  What will be the language of instruction for Language Arts?
Language Arts will be provided in the child’s native language PreK-1 and in both languages 2-5. 

For further information visit www.dlti.us