Dallas ISD will build on the success as the highest achieving urban district in Texas for English learners by upgrading its dual language program.
As part of “Dual Language 2.0,” the district will transition from teaching math in English and science and social studies in Spanish to teaching all three subjects in both English and Spanish.
“Recent studies show that teaching math, science and social studies in both English and Spanish closes the gap for students in English much sooner and will give these students a lift,” said Richard Heffernan, executive director of the Bilingual ESL department.
The district will use the 2021-2022 school year to plan before launching “Dual Language 2.0” the following school year.
Meanwhile, Dallas ISD plans to double the participation of Black students in the two-way dual language program over the next four years. The two-way dual language program has English learners and non-English learners in the same classroom. The program grew from six schools in 2006 to 66 elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools this school year.
“Dual language can become a crucial initiative in realizing the promise of true equity,” Heffernan said. “This program has incredible benefits for everyone involved, and we look forward to watching it improve and grow.”
