Dual Language Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dual Language?
Dual Language is a bilingual education program model where instruction is split between English and Spanish. Dual language programs are designed to meet the academic learning needs of our emergent bilingual students while supporting their English language acquisition.
How does DISD offer Dual Language instruction?
Denton ISD offers both one-way dual language program and two-way dual language programs. The two-way elementary dual language programs are offered at Shultz Elementary, Hodge Elementary, and Pecan Creek Elementary.
What is the difference between the one-way and two-way dual language programs?
One-way dual language classes in Denton ISD are comprised entirely of emergent bilingual students, whose first language is Spanish. These students receive academic instruction in both English and Spanish. By contrast, the two-way elementary dual language program serves both emergent bilingual students learning English and English-speaking peers learning Spanish. At Nette Shultz Elementary, there are two dual language teachers in each grade level K-5. One teacher provides instruction in Spanish, and the other teaches in English. Both groups of students learn in both languages together.
For English-speaking students learning Spanish, dual language is considered an enrichment program.
When does Dual Language begin?
Dual Language begins at Kindergarten. Dual language is a long-term commitment for families, and students are served in the program through elementary school into middle school.
Who can participate in the Dual Language program?
Any student who resides in Denton ISD may apply to be in the program. At each two-way elementary campus, priority is given to students who reside in the school's attendance zone.
How often do students rotate teachers?
Students rotate teachers daily. The number of rotations depends on the grade level.
Does an English-speaking child or parent need to know Spanish in order to participate in the program?
No. For the two-way dual language enrichment program, no prior knowledge or language proficiency is Spanish is necessary for participation. However, children are most successful in the dual language program when parents are committed to supporting their Spanish language acquisition outside of school. Students will complete classwork and have homework in both languages.
How do I apply for my English-speaking child to participate in the two-way dual language program?
A campus headline is shared on the Nette Shultz Elementary website beginning in March each year. Here, parents will find links to sign up for dual language parent information meetings. Attending one of these information meetings is required for parents applying for the dual language enrichment program. In addition, parents must complete an online application following their participation in the parent meeting.
How are English-speaking children selected for the kindergarten dual language enrichment program?
Student selection is in accordance with Board Policy EHBE (LOCAL). In early August, children of parents who have completed the steps above and have finished school registration will be enrolled in the dual language program. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available in the English dual language kindergarten class, a lottery will be conducted among the students who reside in our school attendance zone. If there are spots remaining in the class after this lottery has been completed, then students living outside our school's attendance zone will be considered, and a separate lottery with transfer students will be conducted if necessary. Students living outside the Shultz Elementary attendance zone must also have transfer requests approved by the district in these cases.