Seminole County highlights growth in world languages, expands dual-language program

Seminole County Public Schools trustees heard a presentation March 11 on the district’s World Languages and dual‑language programs, which district staff said have grown in enrollment and offerings and produced recent student awards and credential milestones.

The presentation outlined course options from middle‑school beginning classes through AP and IB offerings, described a dual‑language model that starts with heavy Spanish instruction and moves toward a 50/50 balance, and promoted the state Seal of Biliteracy as a transcript endorsement for college and career advantage.

Why it matters: District leaders said the programs increase college and career options for students, build bilingual proficiency that has cross‑curricular benefits and support student performance on AP exams and local competitions. Presenters also said the programs connect classrooms with community events that reinforce language and culture.

Director of World Languages and ESOL Minnie Cardona and curriculum specialist Limaris Marrero led the presentation and highlighted enrollment, course pathways and professional supports for teachers. Cardona said current world language enrollment is 13,610 students, “an increase from last year of over 1,200 students.” She told the board the district offers six languages and named AP and IB pathways available to students.

Cardona said AP Spanish Language showed an 88.8 percent pass rate in the prior year; she also reported a pass rate figure for AP Spanish Literature during the presentation but the transcript record of that second figure was not clearly recorded. Cardona said 2024 produced 514 Seal of Biliteracy recipients (presented in the meeting as “5 14”), a year‑over‑year increase the district expects to meet or exceed in 2025. She said the district will hold a Seal of Biliteracy recognition ceremony April 15 at Seminole High School.

Marrero described the dual‑language program model, saying nine elementary schools currently offer dual‑language instruction from kindergarten through fifth grade and about 1,300 students are enrolled in the program. She said the district uses a research‑aligned framework, monthly PLCs, and national collaboration through the National Association for Bilingual Education to support teacher development and program fidelity.

Cardona and other staff noted recent student successes: winners at the World Languages Festival (team winners included Hagerty High School and Markham Woods Middle School), a multilingual learner spelling bee winner, and a rising senior, Sebastian Fernandez of Lake Brantley High School, who told the board his AP language work helped him gain admission and scholarship support for college. The district also recognized Winter Springs High’s American Sign Language teacher Katie Khentiwala as World Languages Teacher of the Year and Markham Woods’ teacher as Florida State Spanish Teacher Association Teacher of the Year.

The presentation listed professional development offerings for teachers, including AP training, AP lab training, and world language lab training at select schools. Cardona said the district provides newsletters, PLC time and book studies as teacher supports.

Board members praised the program and reported attending the World Languages Festival. Vice Chair Garrick said the festival showcased culture and community and thanked volunteers. Member Dellinger and Member Davis both commended teachers and students for the program’s results.

The presentation concluded with staff answering procedural questions and noting future events and competitions in which Seminole students will participate.