KISSAM INTERMEDIATE

Dual Language is an educational model in which both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers receive instruction together in both languages, which results in higher academic achievement, improved acquisition of English, the development of academic Spanish, and cross-cultural understanding for all the students. Language learning takes place primarily through the instruction of academic subject matter. Linguistic proficiency in both languages is developed as students increase their knowledge of subject matter through performing academic tasks.

Classes are taught exclusively in the designated language of instruction. There is no translation or repeated lessons. Native English speakers and English Language Learners learn a second language together with no stigma attached. Dual Language students develop a high academic and linguistic proficiency in two languages by participating in an academic program that enhances the development of bilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy so that students will graduate ready for college, career, and life in a globally competitive economy.

This approach allows English learners to help native English speakers learn through a second language, while native English speakers help English learners acquire the curriculum through English. As most teachers know, one of the best ways to learn is to teach, and both student groups receive accelerated instructional benefits from their other-language peers and from the teacher's use of collaborative learning strategies that capitalize on this effect. Also, learning together increases student interest in the school and curriculum topics, improving student motivation to learn and further amplifying and accelerating student progress.

CHISD implemented the Dual Language model developed by Dr. Leo Gómez and Dr. Richard Gómez & Associates (Gómez & Gómez). This model has been implemented in over 450 elementary schools across the country. The Gómez & Gómez Dual Language Enrichment model has been proven to reliably close the achievement gap - one of the foundational aims of CHISD.

Kissam Elementary’s implementation of this model has proven effective in improving the academic and linguistic achievement (based on standardized test scores in reading, mathematics and science) of both Spanish and English dominant students and in closing the academic achievement gap. Kissam’s teachers are well-trained and are committed to implementing the Dual Language program with fidelity. As part of the support at home, Kissam is conducting “Dual Language 101” workshops to help parents support their kids at school and increase and maximize the benefits of Dual Language.

• POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE: Collier and Thomas discovered that the effectiveness of Dual Language education extends beyond academic outcomes. The entire school community benefits when multiple languages and cultural heritages are validated and respected. Friendships bridge class and language barriers. Teachers report higher levels of job satisfaction. Parents from both language groups participate more actively in schools.
• BRAIN BENEFITS: Cognitive neuroscientist Ellen Bialystok has studied bilingualism for almost 40 years. She recently told the New York Times that people who regularly use two languages tend to perform better on executive function tasks and maintain better cognitive functioning with age. Bilingualism is also associated with a five to six-year delay in the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms after diagnosis.
• HAPPY KIDS: Six-year-old Kyra is a first grader who loves her Dual Language Spanish-English program. "It's really fun because your brain gets to work with two different languages, and your tongue gets to do two different sounds,” she told the L.A. Times.
• Develops bilingualism, biliteracy, high academic achievement in all children 
• Research demonstrates the long-term advantages of a DL education for both native Spanish and native English speakers if begun early in their academic careers. Notably, research indicates that both English Language Learners and native English speakers that participate in a Dual Language program outperform native English speakers not in a Dual Language program in tests of English language reading.

Instructional Model at Kissam in 2014-15

• Reading and Language Arts
  • Kn – In Spanish only for Spanish speakers and English only for English speakers
  • Grades 1 through grade 5 – In both languages for all students
• Mathematics
  • Pre-K through grade 5 – In English
• Science & Social Studies
  • Pre-K through grade 5 – in Spanish
• Language of the Day: The language spoken within the school during non-instructional time (in the hallways, in the cafeteria, during morning announcements) alternates between Spanish and English to provide additional reinforcement for language acquisition. 
• Language Pairs: group Spanish and English speakers
• Bilingual Learning Centers and Bilingual Research Centers

By the end of 5th grade, all children are academically bilingual: able to speak, read, write, and think in both languages.

Learn more about the Gomez & Gomez Two-Way Dual Language approach (link is external)

• Performs as well or better than their peers in English-only programs
• Gains competency in a second language, both reading/writing and speaking/listening
• Reaps all the benefits of bilingualism
• Ability to talk to more of the world´s communities
• Greater job opportunities
• Greater understanding of diversity and acceptance of cultural differences
• Additional cognitive benefits 
• Better mathematics problem-solvers 
• Richer vocabularies 
• Enhanced meta-linguistic awareness
• Enhanced creativity
• Greater analytical thinking

• Develops and builds upon the children´s primary language, using them as an asset
• Literacy in two languages
• Teaches English language 
• Supports academics
• Enhances self-esteem 
• Reinforces positive academic identities
• Maintains mother tongue 
• Builds family connections
• Performs better than their peers in English-only or other bilingual programs
• Gains competency in a second language, both reading/writing and speaking/listening
• Reaps all the benefits of bilingualism
• Ability to talk to more of the world´s communities
• Greater job opportunities
• Greater understanding of diversity and acceptance of cultural differences
• Additional cognitive benefits 
• Better mathematics problem-solvers 
• Richer vocabularies 
• Enhanced meta-linguistic awareness
• Enhanced creativity
• Greater analytical thinking