The Dual Language Immersion Program is a rigorous program where standards-based academic content and literacy are taught in both Spanish and English. This program adheres to high expectations and state standards.

Program Goals - To develop

• Bilingual, biliterate and bicultural students
• High levels of academic achievement
• An appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures.

Research Findings

Students who acquire advanced levels of proficiency in second languages often experience certain cognitive and linguistic advantages when compared to monolingual students. (Cummins,1981;Lambert, Genesee, Halolbow & Chatrand 1993)

Students who are exposed to a second language at an early age have a better chance to learn and be more successful in the acquisition of a second language (Cognitive Neuroscientist Laura Ann Petitto, 2004)

There is increasing evidence that phonological awareness transfers across languages. (e.g. Durgunoglu & Verhoeven, 1998; Geva, 2000)

Instructional Program Design

• 50/50 model - students will receive 50% of their instruction in Spanish and 50% in English
• English-dominant and Spanish-dominant students are integrated for instruction throughout the day
• Skills are taught in one language and reinforced in the other language through thematic teaching and cross-linguistic development

Cognitive Benefits

Increases:

• Intellectual growth
• Creativity in thinking and listening
• Higher order reasoning skills

Socio-Cultural Benefits

Strengthens:

• Effective communication in both English and Spanish
• Literacy in both languages
• Appreciation for cultural diversity
• Pride in own culture
• Skills necessary in a global economy
• College and career readiness

Sorprenden a estudiantes del programa Dual Language de Hillsborough con una parranda navideña (telemundo49.com)

Some Tampa Bay schools teach in English and Spanish. It’s catching on. (tampabay.com)

Hillsborough County School District's dual language program continues to expand (abcactionnews.com)

Primera graduación de estudiantes bilingües en Hillsborough (telemundo49.com)

First-grade Teacher Helps Students Learn a 2nd Language (baynews9.com)

Dual language program started in Town 'n Country school (abcactionnews.com)

Hillsborough County students breaking language barriers (baynews9.com)