District Launches New Framework for Multilingual Learners

The change continues the district’s projects to more equitably serve students whose first language is other than English.

Aldine ISD is phasing out of its early exit bilingual program and moving forward with a One-Way Dual Language (OWDL) Program Model. In the 2021-2022 school year, Aldine ISD will begin implementing or transitioning to its one-way dual language program in primary schools. The Multilingual Department will work across various curricular departments, select high-quality teaching materials, and train educators this school year.

All incoming prekindergarten through kindergarten, starting this school year, will begin on the OWDL program. The OWDL program is truly bilingual. Native Spanish-speaking students use their primary language and English to help them excel academically while becoming bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural. Native Spanish-speaking students will receive Spanish and English instruction. The amount of instruction in English begins at 20 percent in PreK. It gradually increases across the grade levels until it reaches an equivalent amount of instruction in each language of 50 percent in third grade and maintains that 50/50 ratio through fifth grade. For bilingual students that have not reclassified and exited the program, beginning in sixth grade, they attend ESL programming. Aldine is currently researching our options as we would like to extend the dual-language programs to the high school level.

Why the change? … Biliteracy

Aldine ISD believes in equitable educational opportunities that are representative of the diversity of the district. The focus is on culturally responsive practices to achieve this and ensure that students are learning and progressing. The change is also aligned to the district’s strategic plan, A New Way Forward.

Bilingual education is an umbrella term for many types of programs. However, in the case of many programs, the real goal is not bilingualism.

Early-exit bilingual programs also called ‘transitional bilingual programs,’ use English language learners’ first language to build English language competency. Students receive instruction in both languages to progress academically and prepare to transfer rapidly to a mainstream classroom with native English-speaking students. The program can last from one to four years, from kindergarten to third or fourth grade. As students’ competence in English increases, it gradually takes the place of the first language, so English is taught at the expense of the first language.

English language learners who share the same first language are grouped in the same classroom in early exit programs. They have bilingual teachers who teach content subjects such as math and science both in the students’ first language and English. Early exit programs aim to provide students with sufficient academic knowledge to use once they have the English proficiency to move to a mainstream classroom. At that point, they are going to continue their education solely in English. The main focus of such programs is to expedite English acquisition and the integration of students into mainstream classrooms. As students advance, less attention is paid to subjects other than language. There is no continued emphasis on the development of first-language skills. As a result, students don’t exit the program being truly bilingual.

Why is the One-Way Dual Language Program Better for Student Outcomes?

The OWDL is a bilingual/biliteracy program for English learners to attain full proficiency in English and Spanish. This model provides ongoing instruction in literacy and academic content in Spanish and English, with at least half of the instruction delivered in Spanish.

Dual language programs are more challenging, just like gifted and talented (GT) programs. It is why dual language programs lead to superior outcomes when implemented with fidelity.

Research overwhelmingly shows that English learners in dual language programs outperform students in early and late-exit programs.

According to Mrs. Altagracia ‘Grace’ Delgado, dual language is the only model that closes the academic achievement gap for ELLs through 12th grade. She added that research shows that in strong OWDL programs, ELLs begin to outperform those in traditional bilingual education models beginning in fourth grade.

Benefits of a Dual Language Programs

• Building bi-literate, bilingual, and bicultural students
• Provides a means for students to stay connected to their parents and extended families and thus, leads to less behavioral problems and long-term greater social and academic success.
• Lets students gain a sense of pride in their heritage and can better remain connected to two cultures and languages.
• Provides greater opportunities for careers in many fields such as medical, academic, business, communications, technology, and law

Delgado added that other student groups do well too. The research shows that students with low socioeconomic status and students with learning disabilities in special education will significantly outperform their peers who are not in the DL program.