Dual Language Goals

·         The development of fluency and literacy in English & Spanish for all students

·         The integration of native English speakers & English language learners for academic instruction, in accordance with the selected program design & model. Whenever possible, 50% of the students in a program should be dominant English speakers & 50% of the students should be native speakers of Spanish at the beginning of the program

·         The promotion of bilingualism, bi-literacy, cross-cultural awareness, & high academic achievement

·         Establish an active parent-school partnership

What are the characteristics of the Dual Language Program?

·         An additive bilingual environment that has full support of the school administrators, teachers, parents, & community

·         A minimum of a 5-year commitment, ideally Kindergarten through 12th grade

·         English speakers enter only at kinder and  first grade

·         Both English & Spanish speakers are instructed together

·         Teachers use the language of instruction

·         Separation of the two languages is a key component

·         There are no translations or repeated lessons

·         All students learn to read & write in Spanish first

·         Rigorous core academic curriculum, which is aligned to the TEKS

·         Active partnership with the International Spanish Academy

Why is the Dual Language Program beneficial for your child?

·         Two-Way language is an additive model for English and Spanish speakers

·         Spanish speakers maintain their first language, while learning a second language

·         Herrera’s DL program presents no risk to the English speakers’ dominate language. Students are taught academics in Spanish with second language approaches to ensure their success.