Aldine ISD Dual-Language Program Opens the Door to Bilingual Learning

For families interested in raising bilingual children and giving them the opportunity to learn in two languages, the Two-Way Dual-Language Program in Aldine Independent School District offers a unique educational pathway beginning in kindergarten.

The program is designed to help students become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural while learning the same academic content taught in all Aldine ISD classrooms. Through this approach, students develop the ability to communicate, read, and write in both English and Spanish, while also gaining an appreciation for different cultures.

Learning Together in Two Languages

The Two-Way Dual-Language program brings together two groups of students in the same classroom:

• Students who are proficient in English
• Students who are proficient in Spanish

Students learn alongside one another and serve as language models for each other throughout the school day. Teachers strategically use both English and Spanish during instruction, helping students gradually develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in both languages.

Students in the program study the same academic subjects as all other students in the district, including:

• Spanish Language Arts and English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies

The difference is that instruction and learning take place in two languages instead of one, with the language of instruction varying by content area and grade level. 

Research shows that young children are especially well-suited for language learning. Many students develop conversational fluency in a second language within three to five years, while academic language proficiency typically develops within five to seven years.

Proven Benefits for Students

Dual-language education offers several long-term benefits for students. Research shows that students enrolled in dual-language programs often develop:

• Strong academic performance
• Enhanced cognitive and problem-solving skills
• Greater cultural awareness
• The ability to communicate with people from different backgrounds
• Increased job opportunities and earning potential in the global job force

These skills help prepare students for success in college, careers, and an increasingly global society.

High School Foreign Language Credit as Early as Fifth Grade

Students who have been enrolled in the dual-language program for at least five years, meet or exceed standards on STAAR reading and mathematics, and demonstrate proficiency in both English and Spanish may have the opportunity to earn one high school foreign language credit by the end of fifth grade.

These students are recognized during the Seal of Biliteracy Trajectories Celebration at the end of fifth grade.

Earning the Seal of Biliteracy

Students who continue their bilingual studies through high school may also have the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, a special recognition awarded to graduates who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in two languages.

The seal highlights students’ language skills and can provide advantages for college applications, scholarships, and future career opportunities.

“Our students’ native language and culture are invaluable assets,” said Eva Carrillo-Iñiguez, Aldine ISD Director of Multilingual Special Programs. “Through our dual-language program, students learn to honor their own heritage while developing a deep appreciation for others. By building on their existing knowledge, we empower them to become twice as capable—truly embodying the adage, ‘El que sabe dos idiomas vale por dos.’”

A Program That Grows With Students

Aldine ISD launched the Two-Way Dual-Language Program in 2019 with kindergarten students, and the program expands one grade level each year as students progress through school.

Currently, more than 1,000 students in grades K–6 participate in the program across the district, not including students already enrolled at La Promesa.

The district plans to continue expanding the program so students can strengthen their bilingual skills throughout their entire educational journey.

Who Can Enroll

The Two-Way Dual-Language Program is open to students entering kindergarten.

Students do not need to already speak Spanish to participate. English-proficient students and Spanish-proficient students learn together in the same classroom and support each other as they build language skills.

Because the program is designed as a long-term educational pathway, students must begin the program in kindergarten in order to participate and experience the full benefits of bilingual and biliterate instruction.

Where the Program Is Offered

The Two-Way Dual-Language Program begins in kindergarten at five designated campuses:

• Griggs
• García-Leza
• Hinojosa
• Magrill
• Vines

Students then continue the program at their zoned elementary campuses:

• Griggs → Black Elementary
• García-Leza → Escamilla Elementary
• Hinojosa → Thompson Elementary
• Magrill → Dunn Elementary
• Vines → Ermel Elementary

At the secondary level, students continue their dual-language pathway at:

• Mead Middle School
• La Promesa

Learn More About the Program

Families interested in enrolling their child in the Two-Way Dual-Language Program should note that Dual Language Lottery applications for entering kindergarten students are due April 7.

Parents can learn more about the program, designated campuses, and the application process by visiting:

AldineISD.org/DualLanguage