Dual Language Immersion
Overview
The Santa Paula Unified School District launched its new Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at Glen City Elementary School in August of 2020, kicking off with its first cohort of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Students. Dual Language Immersion Programs promote bilingualism and biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and cross-cultural competency.
Following the rollout of the TK class in 2020-21, the strand will grow to include two Kindergarten classes in 2021-22. Accordingly, the strand will continue to grow and add subsequent grade levels each academic year. The ultimate vision is a DLI strand from TK to 12th grade.
Teachers will use California standards-aligned core curriculum with instruction delivered 90% of the day in Spanish and 10% in English. This gradually shifts until by the end of 5th grade, 50% of the school day is spent in each language. At the secondary level, half of the necessary courses will be taught in Spanish and the other half in English.
EnrollmentThe Dual Language Immersion program is available to incoming TK and K students for the 2023-2024 school year.
*To be eligible for TK DLI, your child must turn 4 before September 1, 2023.
*To be eligible for K DLI, your child must turn 5 by September 1, 2023.
Common Misconceptions Regarding DLI Programs
Vision Statement
SPUSD is committed to empowering our multilinguals with an asset-based approach to achieve high-linguistic and academic proficiency to excel in the 21st century.
Mission Statement
The Santa Paula Unified School District’s (SPUSD) Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program, in collaboration with educators, parents and the community, will prepare students academically, emotionally, and socially for college, careers, global citizenship, and lifelong learning. Through research-based practices, all students are provided with diverse, differentiated experiences and learning opportunities by a highly skilled educational team in order to promote multilingualism and multiliteracy, high academic achievement in Spanish and English, and sociocultural competencies in a safe and supportive learning environment.