Dual Language Immersion Program

Did you know that the Issaquah School District now has a Dual Language/Spanish Immersion Program? Each year a new group of kindergarten students are added to the program. The previous year’s students move to the next grade level.

The Dual Language Program has been in place for three years. It provides instruction in all subjects to students in two languages: Spanish and English. Over several years, students who participate in this program can become proficient and literate in both languages. The program helps students achieve high academic standards across subjects. Students also develop cross-cultural understanding and skills. The goal is to balance the number of students in each class who are native English speakers with native Spanish speakers and other multilingual learners. This program is made possible because of the strong community support and the approval of the 2018 Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy.

Look for application information for the Dual Language Program as a part of kindergarten registration. To get more details about this program, visit their website: https://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/ departments/elementary/DLIP or send an email to: DualLanguage@issaquah.wednet.edu.

Parents Sharing their Experiences

Esperanza Alvarez (mom of a first-grade student) and Sofia Beecorft (mom of a second-grade student) shared their experiences in the Dual Language Program with our readers:

1. Did your child speak or understand Spanish before participating in this program?

SB: My son understood some Spanish before starting the program. I speak it at home since it’s my first language.

EA: My son understood a little bit of Spanish.

2. Why did you choose the Dual Language Program?

SB: The main reason why I chose this program is that I’d love for him to be able to communicate with his family from Argentina. Also, I think knowing a second language is a great tool to have for his future.

EA: Because I am Mexican, and I want my son to be able to speak two languages.

3. What was your expectation of this program? Do you think it meets your expectation? Why?

SB:I didn’t know what to expect from this program because we applied the first year it opened. As the year went by, I loved it more and more. After a few months of starting school, my son was saying almost complete sentences in Spanish. He was more interested in learning new words.

EA: My expectation is that my son would be around more Spanish-speaking people, and he would be able to understand me better.

4. Does your child like this program? What’s your child’s favorite part of this program?

SB: My son really likes to be part of the Dual Language Program. I think his favorite part is the relationship and connection that he has with his classmates. They all started this program together and will continue through elementary school.

EA: Yes, my son likes this program. His favorite part of the program is math.

5. What are the tips or advice you can give to future Dual Language students?

SB: I’d say not to be afraid and enjoy this opportunity! The teachers are amazing and make it so much fun to learn this beautiful language! EA: The teachers are doing a great job! 6. Could you list ONE thing that you want to make a change in this program? SB: The only thing that I’d like to change is their sibling policy. Currently, younger siblings are not automatically accepted into the program, and I feel they should be. One reason is that they could learn and practice at home with each other, and parents are part of it too.