DLI FAQ

Dual Language Immersion Program Frequently Asked Questions

Dual Language Immersion, ESOL, & World Languages High quality instruction for DLI, ESOL, and World Languages requires daily practice in the language with focus on all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Ensuring that these skills are practiced remains key in a virtual or face-to-face model.

Dual Language Immersion: Regardless of the model, the language allocation plan will continue to be 50/50. DLI students should receive instruction in both languages each day. Resources are available HERE .

Q: Will the DLI program continue during the virtual instructional model?

A: Yes. All of APS DLI program schools will continue to provide the dual language immersion virtually.

Q: Will the virtual model follow the same language allocation plan for English and Spanish as we follow during a traditional school year?

A: Yes. One of the keys to an effective program is daily exposure to both languages. Therefore, all APS DLI schools will continue to provide the 50/50 language allocation plan with half of the day in English and half of the day in Spanish.

Q: Is the DLI program available through AVA Junior?

A: Unfortunately, the AVA Junior program is unable to provide instruction in Spanish. Because APS will launch the 2020-2021 school year via the virtual instructional model, we are encouraging all parents to begin the year virtually at their home school. APS is dedicated to support the DLI program and as the district formalizes a plan for in-person instruction, every effort will be made to continue to support a virtual DLI option to allow students to continue the DLI program.

Q: If I homeschool my child this year, will my child be able to continue the DLI program next year?

A: Students who leave the DLI program are not guaranteed their spot in the program the following year. Many of our schools maintain a waitlist for the DLI program. Should a student not be enrolled this year in APS, that student's spot will be given to the next student on the waitlist. Next year, should the student return to APS, the student may return to the DLI program provided there is space in the program and the student has continued to maintain sufficient Spanish proficiency to be academically successful. Spanish proficiency will be assessed prior to the new school year.

Q: Am I allowed to enroll my child in another program while maintaining enrollment in APS?

A: As long as a student participates and attends all lessons each day, the student is considered to be actively enrolled in Atlanta Public Schools.

Q: What digital resources will my child be provided to be successful in the virtual DLI program?

A: APS has purchased a number of online resources to ensure teachers and students continue to have a rigorous, standard-based learning experience in the virtual instructional model. Please go to our Digital Resources page for a list of all resources in English and Spanish by content area.

Q: What digital tools will teachers use to support virtual instruction in the DLI program?

A: For direct (synchronous) instruction all APS teachers will utilize Zoom. In younger grades, such as Pre-K and Kindergarten, SeeSaw may be used. Teachers may incorporate additional tools such as NearPod and Pear Deck to make Zoom sessions interactive and provide quick opportunities for formative assessments. DLI teachers will also use Google Classroom to post materials and assignments. Additionally, to support oral language development, students will use FlipGrid to create and submit speaking and performance assessments.

Q: What professional learning will teachers have to support their instruction in this virtual instructional model?

A: Professional learning is always a key factor for supporting and ensuring effective instructional practice. Throughout the summer APS has provided numerous sessions on instructional technology and instructional practices. On August 3rd, all APS teachers will return to work and will be provided with additional professional learning on technology tools, online resources, virtual instruction, and our new Units of Study. DLI teachers have additional sessions led by national experts in language acquisition and bilingual educational to support a successful transition to the virtual learning environment.

Q: How will the instructional day be structured for the DLI program?

A: The DLI program will incorporate the instructional expectations established for all schools with a focus on synchronous (live) instruction for the majority of the school day. Because the APS DLI program requires development of content AND language in both English and Spanish, the virtual model should incorporate grouping strategies to allow for teacher and student interaction to develop and enhance student skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Therefore, a schedule would allow for a teacher mini-lesson to the whole group followed by small group rotations to maximize language practice. Schools will share sample schedules once finalized.