District English Learner Advisory Committee proposes new bilingual education model recommendations

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is poised for a significant shift in its approach to multilingual education, as the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DLAC) presented a series of bold recommendations during a recent board meeting. Central to the discussion was the proposal to implement a 50/50 dual language immersion model for Spanish-speaking students, aimed at enhancing academic outcomes and supporting bilingual development.

Anna Aviles, chairperson of the DLAC, passionately advocated for this change, emphasizing the urgent need for equitable educational opportunities for the district's multilingual learners. "Our sons and daughters cannot wait another year," Aviles stated, highlighting that 1 in 4 SFUSD students are multilingual learners, with a significant portion being Latinx students who face academic disadvantages. The proposed model would provide equal instruction in both Spanish and English, addressing the concerns of parents who fear their children may lose their native language while learning English.

The meeting also showcased the progress made since last year's recommendations, including the launch of a youth leadership program aimed at empowering multilingual students. This initiative, along with district-wide literacy fairs, aims to connect families with essential resources to support their children's reading skills at home.

DLAC members underscored the importance of community engagement in developing these recommendations, with input gathered from various school site English Learner Advisory Committees (ELACs). The committee's collaborative approach aims to ensure that the voices of families are not only heard but actively shape the educational landscape.

As the board considers these recommendations, the urgency for immediate action is clear. The proposed 50/50 model is seen as a critical step toward fostering an inclusive environment that values students' home languages while ensuring they achieve proficiency in English. The board's support for these initiatives could mark a transformative moment for multilingual education in San Francisco, setting a precedent for other districts to follow.