Austin ISD considers expanding dual-language, bilingual programs

"AISD is very committed to this idea of making sure kids master the content through critical thinking and problem solving, which you can only do if you understand the language," she said.

The AAFR proposes expanding the two-way dual-language program known as the Gmez & Gmez dual-language enrichment model, which is already in nine AISD elementary schools.

There are both one-way and two-way dual-language programs, she explains. Two-way programs aim to make two language groups bilingual, bicultural and biliterate. This requires about 50 percent of students to be native English speakers and 50 percent to be native speakers of another language. A one-way program does not require two groups and instead supports a single-language group of students.

AISD is looking at schools throughout the district to determine need based on the quantity of English learners there, Dow said. Elementary schools may add programs as soon as 2013–14, she said.

Then the dual-language program will extend to middle schools throughout the district based on need. The first step would be planning how to extend the program and continue building a capacity of staff and facilities.

If the AAFR is approved, full implementation of middle school dual-language education could occur as early as fall 2015, Dow said, with preparation and training set for 2013–14 and 2014–15.

Lupe Ramos, a bilingual kindergarten teacher at Perez Elementary School, is a member of the AISD English Language Learners Advisory Council.

Now in her 36th year of teaching in the district, Ramos was one of the first teachers to pilot the program in AISD three years ago. The program began in kindergarten and first grade, and each year it expands to the next grade.

At Perez, Ramos and her partner teacher Carolyn Reeves take turns teaching the same group of students. English learners take Spanish language arts from Ramos while Reeves teaches English language arts to English-speaking kindergarteners.

"Then we mix the groups, and we have 20 English- and Spanish-speaking children together," Ramos said. "Then I teach them science and social studies throughout the week [in Spanish], and my partner teaches math in English."

AISD is also exploring other languages, Dow said. Doss Elementary School is launching a Mandarin program, and a Vietnamese program is being implemented at Summitt Elementary School.