Dallas ISD's Two-Way Dual Language program helps brothers learn English, host a TV show

Dallas ISD is home to one of the largest Two-Way Dual Language programs in the country. Schools offering the program– which offers students an opportunity to excel academically, while fostering linguistic and cultural diversity through the learning of two languages– are accepting applications through Feb. 7. Visit www.dallasisd.org/choosedallasisd to learn more and apply.

When Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, and Univisón DFW teamed up in May to launch the television show Unidos para Aprender, which offers 58 minutes of educational programming in Spanish, they tapped brothers Fredy and Kevin Perez to help host the program.

The Perez brothers were born in Dallas to parents originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, and only spoke Spanish in their house growing up. While Dallas ISD’s bilingual programs have taught the brothers English and they are thriving in school, they loved the opportunity to host the program that supports students’ academic progress by supplementing at-home instruction offered by Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD to Spanish-speaking families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Academic Officer Shannon Trejo said the success of the Perez brothers is mirrored by other English language learning students (ELLs) across the district. Dallas ISD is the highest achieving urban school district for STAAR results among ELLs in Texas.

“Data shows our English language learning students like Fredy and Kevin are making incredible gains in school," Trejo said. "And initiatives like our successful dual language program are one big reason why.”