Santa Fe ISD plans one-way dual-language pre-K program beginning next year
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Summary
District staff presented a plan to start a one-way dual-language pre-K at Willam Elementary in 2026 (teacher: Cindy Cortez), expand the program year-by-year, and hold parent informational meetings; staff cited consultant support and strong parent-survey backing.
School leaders outlined a plan to launch a dual-language program beginning in pre-K next school year and grow it year-by-year. Presenters described two dual-language models (one-way and two-way) and recommended beginning with a one-way model for pre-K at Willam Elementary.
"We begin this program, a one-way dual language program starting in pre-K next year... Miss Cindy Cortez will be the teacher of this class next year," a presenter said. Staff said the district conducted a parent survey that showed strong community interest and that consultants from Region 4 and the University of Houston-Clear Lake assisted the planning.
Officials described program goals: strengthen math and literacy outcomes, create a pipeline of bilingual teachers, and certify students with industry-recognized credentials through Career and Technical Education pathways. The presenters said they will hold an informational parent night before spring break and will train the assigned teacher through the regional service center and provide curricular materials.
Board members asked how the program would expand beyond elementary grades and how the district would maintain language skills in secondary schools; staff said the typical approach is to grow the program grade-by-grade and to consider offering language coursework in junior high and high school to sustain bilingual skills.
No formal vote was required at this meeting; staff said they will bring implementation details and training plans to a future agenda.