Dual Language Immersion Program – Mountain View Elementary School will open a dual immersion program for kindergartners this fall, with teachers integrating both English and Spanish curriculums.
Dual language immersion aims to build bilingualism and biliteracy, the district says, as native English and native Spanish speaking students “speaking, reading, writing, adding, subtracting, experimenting and singing” in both languages. Mountain View principal Rria Cruz-Soto, whose first language is Spanish, remembers entering kindergarten on the East Coast as an English Language Learner.
“I remember relying heavily on a student who spoke Spanish,” she said. “The English dominant speakers will rely on the Spanish dominant speakers to get through. I remember that one student who could help me get through. We’re still friends to this day.”
As a former principal at a dual language elementary school that offered preschool through fifth grade multilingual instruction, Ms. Cruz-Soto said the success of the program relies heavily on maintaining a balanced enrollment.
“Starting at three years old, we offered Spanish only. Then at four years old it was split 50/50,” she said. “It’s very important to have those Spanish speakers in the program.” Read more.
What is a Dual Immersion Program?
Dual Language Immersion is a way to learn academic content while acquiring another language at the same time. Students receive math, science, or social studies instruction in a target language, such as Spanish, French, or Chinese. Because of the teaching strategies used, the students learn the concepts and skills for the subject area. Developing the ability to read, write, speak, and listen in another language.
The goals are for the students to develop literacy skills in both English and the target language. Such as Spanish, French, or Chinese while attaining academic achievement that is at or above their grade level as measured by Utah core testing.
Furthermore students will develop a world cultural sensitivity. We strive to prepare Granite School District students academically, linguistically and socially for the challenges and needs of our global community.
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