On Tuesday, May 24, Woodrow Wilson High School held its secondary dual language program recognition ceremony for a total of 51 bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural graduating seniors. Dallas ISD is a national leader in dual language and boasts one of the largest dual language programs in the nation, with instruction offered at more than 150 schools.
“Proud does not begin to describe how I feel, it’s just so exciting,” shared Alessandra Mercon, Woodrow Wilson High School assistant principal. “Last year, we had six students graduate in our first class and this year we had 51, so I’m proud of the students, the teachers, the team that has worked with us over all these years and the support that we get from district staff and the Dual Language ESL department.”
The executive director of the Bilingual ESL department, Richard Heffernan, was also in attendance to personally congratulate and award students their certificates and graduation cords. The event was followed by a reception for students and their families to celebrate their achievements.
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses that students in the dual language program can participate in include math, science, social studies and Spanish Languages Other Than English (LOTE) courses. These are rigorous courses that are taught in both English and Spanish.
Dallas ISD’s top-notch nationally recognized dual language program gives students an opportunity to learn how to speak, write, read, listen, and think in both Spanish and English. Gaining this skill set prepares students for greater career and professional options, and gives them a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Woodrow’s dual language program offers AP test study sessions for its students and monthly parent informational meetings. Bi-weekly meetings are also held by dual language teachers to discuss ways they can improve the program and keep track of students’ progress throughout the school year.
To learn more about Dallas ISD’s dual language program, visit www.dallasisd.org/duallanguage.
