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Dual Language Program

Integrating English Learners and English dominant students with the goal of developing culturally-aware, multilingual students.


 

Contact Us

Robin Farup-Romero
Multilingual Programs Administrator
971-900-5220

K-12 Dual Language Program Associates

Oscar Rodriguez
503-399-2637

Monique Aguilar     
503-399-2637

About Dual Language Education

Dual language education is an effective approach to develop language proficiency and literacy in two languages. The program integrates English speakers and Spanish speakers for academic content instruction through both languages. Students in the Dual Language program learn together and learn from each other, as they share their language and cultural resources.

Our Dual Language Program

Salem-Keizer Public School's dual language program integrates English Learners and English-dominant students with the goal of improving the academic and linguistic performance of all participants. Its mission is to develop critically aware, multilingual students who are equipped to build bridges of intercultural understanding between diverse communities and successfully participate in the global community.

Dual Language Program Goals 

  • Academic achievement at or above grade level in all content areas 
  • High levels of academic bilingualism and biliteracy 
  • Higher levels of cultural pride, self-esteem and intercultural understanding 

Dual Language Program Details

Middle School Dual Language Program

The middle school DL program builds on the content, language, and cultural understandings students developed in the elementary grades.  In middle school, each grade level has a minimum of a Spanish Language Arts course and one other course in Spanish during each grading period. At the end of 8th grade, students take the STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) test to assess their Spanish language proficiency. The results of this test, together with student work, are used to determine high school Spanish class placements.

Apply for Our Dual Language Program

Enrollment Applications

The Magnet school Dual Language programs at Grant, Harritt, and Myers Elementary will accept applications beginning March 1 for students entering kindergarten and first grade in 2024-2025.

Dual language program applications submitted by the deadline are reviewed and organized by prioritized criteria. If there are more applicants than spaces available, a lottery is conducted for the remaining spots. Applying does not guarantee placement in the dual language program. Applications are not required for neighborhood school dual language programs.

Prioritized Criteria:

  1. Students who live in the school boundary for the Magnet school.
  2. Students who have siblings in the Magnet school program.
  3. Students who live in the Salem-Keizer School District boundary but live outside the Magnet school boundary.
  4. Students who live outside of the Salem-Keizer School District boundary.

Application Process & Deadline

  1. Enroll your student in your neighborhood school.
  2. Return a copy of your completed Dual Language application to the Magnet School or Elementary Education Office by April 1.
  3. Applications are also available at your neighborhood school.

Elementary Dual Language Program Participants

From Elementary to Middle School

Students who participated in a K-5 dual language program are automatically enrolled in the middle school dual language program at the corresponding feeder school. Students who participated in a transitional bilingual program may enroll in a middle school dual language program if there is a DL program available at their feeder school and if there is space available. Students are assessed for Spanish literacy and writing to determine appropriate placement.

Dual Language FAQs