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Dual Immersion

Telluride School District Dual Immersion Program

 

At Telluride School District, we understand the immense value of linguistic and cultural insights in today's global community. Through our unique World Language Program, we're committed to fostering these insights from Pre-K through 12th Grade. 

English and Spanish Dual Immersion 

Our Dual Immersion program is a standout feature, where classrooms receive content instruction in both English and Spanish. This approach equips students with essential skills in both languages, allowing them to thrive in a multilingual world. 

Parents can choose between a Dual Immersion classroom and a Traditional English classroom. We carefully intermix these environments during specials, recess, and other school events to promote cultural awareness and community bonding. 

Three Pillars of Dual Immersion

  • Biliteracy: Develop reading, writing, and comprehension skills in both languages. 

  • High Academic Achievement: Challenge students to excel in both linguistic spheres. 

  • Sociocultural Competence: Cultivate an understanding and appreciation of multiple cultures and perspectives. 

Seals of Biliteracy 

To honor and encourage these vital language skills, the Telluride School District offers two prestigious recognitions: the Colorado Seal of Biliteracy and the Telluride School District Seal of Biliteracy. 

These seals are designed to: 

  • Encourage students to become biliterate. 

  • Honor the linguistic skills attained in more than one language. 

  • Recognize the rich diversity of languages and cultures within our community. 

These seals can be achieved through various paths, such as successful SAT scores, AP exams, or completion of specific course requirements. 

Join Us on This Linguistic Journey 

Whether you're interested in the Dual Immersion approach or aiming for one of the Seals of Biliteracy, Telluride School District is dedicated to guiding students toward becoming informed, productive, and globally literate citizens. 

For more information, please contact: 

  • Joanna MacDonald, Dual Immersion Coordinator & Seal of Biliteracy Contact

  • Sara Lopez, MS/HS Spanish & Seal of Biliteracy Contact

 

  •  All requests for late entry to Dual Immersion must be submitted by April 30, 2024 to be considered. Please fill out the Late Entry Form if you are interested in late entry for your student. 

    First Grade Entry 

    Students interested in transferring to the Dual Immersion program in 1st grade: 

    • Must be enrolled in the Telluride R-1 School District 
    • Must be on grade level in English OR come from an environment where they have been immersed in the target language 

    Additional criteria may include: 

    • Availability of space in the program 
    • Teacher recommendations 
    • Student interview 
    • **Target language assessment 

    Should there be more students interested in transferring to the program in 1st grade than space allows, then position on the waitlist from kindergarten will be taken into account.  Additionally, it may become necessary to hold a lottery for the spots available. 

    Entry after 1st Grade 

    • Students interested in transferring to the Dual Immersion program after 1st grade: 
    • Must be enrolled in the Telluride R-1 School District 
    • Must be on grade level in English OR come from an environment where they have been immersed in the target language 
    • **Must complete an assessment of their skills in the target language 

    Additional criteria may include: 

    • Availability of space in the program 
    • Teacher recommendations 
    • Student interview 

    Should there be more students interested in transferring to the program than space allows, it may become necessary to hold a lottery for the spots available. 

    Target Language Assessment 

    The Telluride School District currently uses the AAPPL assessment (Form A for K-6 and Form B for 7-12) to evaluate language proficiency in Spanish.  Students that wish to transfer to the dual immersion program will need to score on grade level in the target language in order to show their potential for success in the program. 

    The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) is a standardized performance test given across the United States in foreign language classes to give parent, students, teachers, and administrators information about how a student is progressing with a language in the areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

    What are the grade level proficiency targets for AAPPL in the Dual Immersion Program? 

    • Grade 

      Listening 

      Speaking 

      Reading  

      Writing 

      1 

      Novice Mid  (N-3) 

      Novice Mid  (N-3) 

      Novice Mid  (N-3) 

      Novice Mid  (N-3) 

      2 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      3 

      Intermediate Low  (I-1) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      4 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-2) 

      Intermediate Low  (I-1) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      Novice High  (N-4) 

      5 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-3) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-2) 

      Intermediate Low  (I-1) 

      Intermediate Low  (I-1) 

      6 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-4) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-3) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-2) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-2) 

      7 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-4) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-3) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-3) 

      8 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-4) 

      Intermediate Mid  (I-4) 

      9 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      10 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      Intermediate High  (I-5) 

      11 

      Advanced Mid  (A) 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      12 

      Advanced Mid  (A) 

      Advanced Mid  (A) 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

      Advanced Low  (A) 

    Check out Language Testing Internation for a Demo of the Assessment! 

  • Does dual language education work? 

    Yes! The first dual language programs began in Canada (French & English) and Florida (Spanish & English) over 30 years ago. Since then, this dynamic model has spread around the world, wherever parents and teachers want their children to become both academically successful and bilingual / bicultural. The average student who enters a dual language program at kindergarten or first grade speaking only English will graduate achieving at or above national averages on English-language standardized tests, as well as slightly below grade level in Spanish. 

    It takes most people 5-7 years to become fully fluent in a second language. What this means for students in a dual language program is that the first 2-3 years are the most challenging. All language learners go through a ‘silent period’ where they take in their new language but can’t yet speak it themselves. This is followed by a long ‘early production’ period, where the person understands much more than they can express. Families and beginning teachers often worry during the first few years of a child’s dual language education that the child is falling behind in their native language and not really picking up the second language. Just like a toddler learning to speak, this silent period is natural and necessary for the student. Once the child is ready, he or she will interact with peers and teachers in both languages. 

    Will my child become frustrated? 

    It is common for there to be an adjustment phase in the beginning.  Some children may be mildly frustrated or say, “Why doesn’t my teacher just speak to me in English?”  However, the teachers in the dual language classrooms will be experienced in the instruction of language learners.  They will be trained in language acquisition strategies and developmentally appropriate activities for their grade levels.  Children will learn language actively through practice with their peers, with the support of visual cues, physical prompts, playful repetition and daily routine. 

    I am not bilingual. How can I support my child with homework? 

    Parents can help in their native language by reading, writing, and talking to their children about what they are learning.  Research shows that students with strong skills and background knowledge in their native languages are able to transfer those skills to the second language.  Parents can also encourage cross-cultural friendships, birthday parties, and playdates.

    Do I need to commit to the full K-5 Program? 

    It takes most people 5-7 years to become “fully fluent” in a second language. Social, non-academic language is acquired more quickly. Successful bilingual students need to acquire the ability to read, write, and study at high levels in two languages.  To reach those high levels of academic fluency in both languages, a commitment to the K-5 program is necessary. 

    Does my child need to enroll in full day Kindergarten? 

    Yes.  The dual immersion program classes are full day (3:10 p.m.). Scholarships are available.  

    Additional Benefits of Dual Language Instruction

    • Enhanced levels of meta-linguistic awareness (i.e., knowledge of how language works), which has proven to be important to reading acquisition. 

    • Improved performance versus monolingual students on tasks that call for divergent thinking, pattern recognition and problem solving. 

    • Additional knowledge and understanding of one’s native language. 

    • Greater understanding, tolerance, appreciation and respect for other languages and cultures. 

    • Ability to communicate with other ethnic and cultural groups. 

    • Ability to take advantage of opportunities that are available only in other languages. 

    • Enhanced employment opportunities once school is completed. 

    Get more information by taking a look at our Bilingual Presentation!