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Arroyo Elementary reports first-year gains for dual-language immersion program
Summary
SVUSD staff and Arroyo teachers reported early outcomes from the district’s inaugural dual-language immersion program: five classes (3 TK, 2 K) served 105 students in TK/K this year, staff described the 80/20 instructional model and parent testimonials praised cultural and language benefits.
District staff and Arroyo Elementary teachers briefed trustees on the first year of Simi Valley Unified’s dual-language immersion (DLI) program, which launched this year with TK and kindergarten cohorts.
Erin Taggart and Arroyo staff said the pilot year included five DLI classes—three transitional-kindergarten sections and two kindergarten sections—with 62 students in TK and 43 in kindergarten enrolled. Presenters outlined the program’s three pillars—bilingualism and biliteracy, high academic achievement in both languages, and sociocultural competence—and described an 80/20 Spanish-focused model in early grades that gradually moves to a 50/50 split by upper elementary.
Teachers and parents described classroom activities (science experiments and cultural events such as Día de los Muertos) and noted strong parent engagement, waiting lists and positive student outcomes. One teacher reported that an English-dominant student learned 27 Spanish letters and sounds and began translating for classmates within weeks, citing rapid language growth.
District leaders said the program will expand each year as the cohort matriculates; TK and kindergarten will remain open enrollment, with language assessments for students who wish to join in later grades. Trustees praised the program’s progress and encouraged continued attention to program balance and family outreach as enrollment grows.
