Bryan ISD weighs shift to one‑way dual language model for elementary bilingual students
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
District staff proposed consolidating New Arrival Center and early-exit bilingual models into a one‑way dual language program for elementary grades to promote biliteracy, better leverage bilingual certifications and align with TEA-preferred models; stakeholder meetings are planned.
District bilingual leaders presented a proposal to reshape elementary bilingual programming toward a one‑way dual language model aimed at increasing biliteracy and consolidating resources.
Jennifer Warren, executive director of special programs, explained the district’s current models (ESL on every campus, two‑way dual language, early‑exit transitional, and the New Arrival Center or NAC) and laid out the proposed change: combine small NAC/early‑exit elementary cohorts into a one‑way dual language model so students learn both English and Spanish across time rather than being shifted away from a home language on a pre‑set timeline.
Warren said the elementary NAC counts for early grades are small (she relayed there are nine students in second grade and about two dozen in successive elementary grades) and argued consolidation would let the district better use bilingual-certified teachers and keep students closer to home campuses. She added that TEA supports the one‑way model and that research shows longer exposure to bilingual programs yields stronger literacy outcomes.
Dr. Georgiana Adams Molina and Jones Elementary principal Dr. Velez joined the presentation, noting benefits for family communication and potential candidate pipelines for bilingual teacher hires through local partnerships (including A&M). Presenters acknowledged challenges: the change will require oversight, teacher training and principal support and some staff displacement questions were raised; the district said it is scheduling teacher and family meetings (including a parent information session on the 15th) and will collect stakeholder feedback before returning recommendations to the board.
Administrators said draft materials and a bilingual handbook exist on the district website, and that the bilingual department will be the contact point for families who want more information.