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District reports growth in Dual Language Immersion program; students outperform peers on some benchmarks
Summary
Program specialist Analia Grim told the board the Dual Language Immersion program (launched 2018) has shifted toward a 50/50 model by grade, requires a six-year commitment, offers priority for siblings, and shows benchmark gains with some dual learners outperforming peers; a draft master plan and EL handbook are forthcoming.
Analia Grim, program specialist for English learners and dual immersion, updated the board on Farmersville Unified's Dual Language Immersion program on May 12, describing program design, enrollment and early academic outcomes.
Grim said the program began in 2018 with a gradual model (90/10 in kindergarten moving toward 50/50 in later grades) and that next school year the district will operate sections using a 50/50 model in early grades. Participation requires a multi-year commitment—staff described it as a six-year commitment to ensure home and school supports—and priority enrollment is given to siblings. Grim said the district offers two dual-immersion sections per grade and maintains a waitlist when capacity is reached.
On outcomes, Grim presented internal benchmarks showing dual learners steadily improving in reading and math and noted that by fourth grade some dual learners read at or above grade level. She said the program aims to earn state recognition for biliteracy (the California Seal of Biliteracy) as students progress into high school and that this year's sixth-grade cohort will be the first to reach a stage where college-level recognition could be available later.
Board members praised the program as a community asset that helps preserve Spanish language use across generations. Grim said a dual language master plan and an English Learner handbook draft would be returned to the board for review.
No action was required; the presentation was informational and staff will present the master plan and handbook in a future meeting.
