Boise School District Dual Language Pilot
The Boise School District is pleased to offer kindergarten
Spanish/English dual language programs beginning Fall
2008 at Whitney and Whittier Elementary Schools. Each
program will offer AM and PM kindergarten sessions
if enrollment allows. Dual language will be a program
strand within each school where half of the instruction
will be provided in English and the other half will
be provided in Spanish. Because students enrolled in
the program become Whitney and Whittier students, opportunities
and services typical to both schools will be available
to dual language students. Grade levels will be added
each year as students progress through the program
(upon Board approval of the initial pilot).
If you would like to apply for admission into the
program please complete the application linked from
the bottom of this page and return it to your school
of choice along with copies of a birth certificate and immunizations by May
1st. If you have additional questions please contact Jean Lovelace
at Whitney (854-6580), Debby Bailey at Whittier (854-6630), or Ann Farris
at the District
Office (854-4133).
What is Dual Language?
- Dual language programs provide literacy and content
instruction in two languages (English/Spanish) and
integrate native English speakers with native Spanish
speakers.
- Dual language programs differ from traditional foreign
language programs in the instructional focus:
- Traditional programs focus on learning the language
as a subject
- Dual language programs focus on learning content
through the language
Why Dual Language?- Exploration of successful models to support higher
levels of student achievement
- Community interest
- School and neighborhood demographics indicate a
good fit
- Opportunity for another enrichment program choice
within the District
What are the goals of Dual Language?- Bilingual and biliterate students
- Academic achievement at or above grade level in
both languages
- An appreciation of and respect for other languages
and cultures
What are the benefits?- True bilingualism and biliteracy
- More opportunities for economic success
- Improved intercultural relationships in the school
and community
- Intercultural friendships
- Cognitive flexibility that also leads to higher-order
thinking skills and better problem-solving abilities
Application
form in English | Application
form in Spanish |
