Dual Language - Jeffco Public Schools

Dual Language in Jeffco

Dual Language programming enhances the development of content and literacy in both English and Spanish languages so students graduate ready for college, career, and life in a globally competitive economy and a collaborative international community.

This unique program builds students’ linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in both English and Spanish. Students learn standards-based content as they become linguistically and academically proficient in two languages.

Goals of Dual Language Programming

Students will achieve at high academic levels across all content areas in both Spanish and English.
Students develop high levels of proficiency in Spanish and English, and will use what they have learned in both languages to succeed academically and socially.
Students demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.

Benefits of Dual Language Programming

Dual Language education has cognitive, cultural and academic benefits for students, including improved job opportunities and communication skills.

Students in Dual Language programs develop academic and linguistic proficiency in two languages.
Dual Language programming supports the appreciation and understanding of different cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and tolerance.
Early exposure to two or more languages positively impacts language development, cognitive development and reading.
Dual Language programming supports students on the path to receive the Seal of Biliteracy.

English

Spanish

Elementary Dual Language Programming

Content

At the elementary level, Jeffco's Dual Language programs follow either a "one way" model or a "two way" model. Jeffco also has Dual Language preschool options.

One Way Dual Language

One-way Dual Language is for students who come to school with a Spanish language background.

For example: My family speaks Spanish at home and I want my student to learn to read and write in Spanish with other native Spanish speakers while they continue to learn English.

One-way Instructional Model

In preschool, instruction occurs 90% in Spanish and 10% in English.
In kindergarten, instruction occurs 80% in Spanish and 20% in English.
In first grade and second grade, instruction gradually includes more English instruction.
In third grade, instruction occurs 50% in Spanish and 50% in English.
Instruction continues at a ratio of 50% Spanish and 50% English through the end of elementary.

Two Way Dual Language

Two-way dual language programming is for students of all language backgrounds with classrooms containing a balance of Spanish and English speakers.

For example: My family speaks English at home and I want my student to learn Spanish with other Spanish and English speakers.

Two-way Instructional Model

In preschool, instruction occurs 90% in Spanish and 10% in English.
In kindergarten through 6th or 8th grade, instruction occurs 50% in Spanish and 50% in English.

At a Glance: One Way vs. Two Way

	Instructional Model	Teachers	Student Profile	Highlights
One-way	Starts with more instruction in Spanish. Gradually includes more English instruction (from 20% instruction in Kindergarten to 50% in 3rd grade)	One teacher who teaches in both English and Spanish	For students who come to school with a Spanish language background.	Allows students to learn content in their home language of Spanish while gradually learning English.
Two-way	Preschool instruction is 90% in Spanish and 10% in English, all other grades have instruction 50% in English and 50% in Spanish.	Two teachers: one who instructs only in English and the other instructs only in Spanish	For students of all language backgrounds, including English.	Students learn both language and culture from each other. Earlier exposure to more English instruction for Spanish-speaking students.

Instructional Model

Teachers

Student Profile

Highlights

One-way

Starts with more instruction in Spanish. Gradually includes more English instruction (from 20% instruction in Kindergarten to 50% in 3rd grade)

One teacher who teaches in both English and Spanish

For students who come to school with a Spanish language background.

Allows students to learn content in their home language of Spanish while gradually learning English.

Two-way

Preschool instruction is 90% in Spanish and 10% in English,

all other grades have

instruction 50% in English and 50% in Spanish.

Two teachers: one who instructs only in English and the other instructs only in Spanish

For students of all language backgrounds, including English.

Students learn both language and culture from each other.

Earlier exposure to more English instruction for Spanish-speaking students.

Elementaries and Preschools with Dual Language Programming

	All-English programming	One-way programming	Two-way programming	Preschool options
Lasley	X		X
Lumberg	X	X		One-way and all-English options
Eiber	X	X		One-way and all-English options
Edgewater	X		X	Two-way
Foster PK-8			X	Two-way

*All-English programming - offered in all grades at specified schools.

*One-way programming - Instruction in English and Spanish for students with a Spanish language background.

*Two-way programming - Instruction in English & Spanish for students of any language background.

Secondary Dual Language Courses

As students enter middle school and high school, there are options to continue learning in Spanish through Spanish Language Arts and Spanish for Heritage Speakers courses. Some sites also offer courses instructed in Spanish such as math, science, social studies and electives. Course offerings depend on the specific school in which you are enrolling your student.

As students get closer to graduation, those who demonstrate proficiency in both English and Spanish are eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy, which is the perfect culmination to all of their work through Dual Language programming.

Secondary Schools Offering Dual Language Courses

Dual Language course offerings vary by school. Contact yours to learn more about their current offerings.

Enroll Now

To enroll your student in a Dual Language Program, complete the enrollment process through EnrollJeffco and contact your school.

To learn more about the schools that offer Dual Language programming, visit SchoolFinder.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

Dual Language is part of the department of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE), which provides linguistic and academic support for multilingual Learners. CLDE includes programs in both English as a Second Language and Dual Language

Contact Us

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

Phone: 303-982-6644