Dual Language Education and Resources

In dual language programs, students in PreK-12 learn content, language and literacy in English and a partner language such as Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, ASL, or Russian. Dual language education is the most effective instructional model* for multilingual learners (MLs), native English speakers, and historically underserved student groups and is the preferred model for MLs in Washington state. See these Dual Language Program Definitions to understand the models and types of dual language programs in Washington.

*See research by Thomas & Collier, 1997-2020.

Videos

These videos provide information and perspectives on dual language education from the state superintendent, parents, students, educators, and administrators.

Guidance

• The Washington State Dual Language Program Guide (updated August, 2025) provides specific steps and guidance on developing and implementing effective dual language programs.
• The Dual Language Program Planning Checklist can be used for action planning as districts follow the steps in the Program Guide.
• The Dual Language Program Evaluation Rubric can be used to support the review and evaluation of programs for continuous improvement planning.
• Dual Language Course Reporting explains what data must be reported in dual language programs and how these data are used. 
• Developing Asset-Based and Effective Dual Language Programs: 8 Steps to Success! is a set of presentation slides based on the DL Program Guide.
• Starting a Heritage Language Program provides guidance on starting a sustainable heritage language program.

Professional Learning 

• Dual Language PLC: Monthly virtual meetings on 1st Tuesdays at noon for district and school leaders focused on best practices for dual language program implementation. Sign up on pdEnroller.
• Heritage Language PLC: Bi-monthly virtual meetings on Tuesday afternoons for educators focused on developing and sustaining heritage language programs. Sign up on pdEnroller.
• Dual & Heritage Language Drop-in Office Hours: District and school leaders can drop in for dual language support on all Tuesdays at noon except during monthly PLCs using this office hours Zoom link.
• Dual & Heritage Language School Visits: Districts across the state host monthly dual and heritage language school visits to share program models and discuss best practices. Contact Teresa Mendoza-Casby for more information.
• Dual & Heritage Language Regional Networks: District leaders host regional network meetings throughout the year to support collaboration. Contact Patricia Venegas-Weber for more information. 

Resources

Spanish Language Standards & Instructional Resources

Spanish Language Arts & Language Development Standards

• Common Core State Standards in Spanish Language Arts and Literacy

Instructional Resources

• Open Education Resources (OER) Hub
• Since Time Immemorial (STI) Lessons in Spanish
• WIDA Spanish Language Arts Framework (Marco ALE) 

Dual & Heritage Language Resources

Dual Language Resources

• Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education
• Welcoming Bilingual Learners with Disabilities into Dual Language Programs
• Dual Language Education of New Mexico (DLeNM)
• National Committee for Effective Literacy
• Washington Association for Bilingual Education

Heritage Language Resources

• National Heritage Language Resource Center - Instructional materials, professional development, and research on heritage languages and heritage language learning.
  • National Language Resource Centers - Provides links to 15 other LRCs.
• Language Friendly School Network
• Washington State Seal of Biliteracy

Bilingual Educator Development

Becoming an Educator

• Becoming a Teacher
• Conditional Scholarships for Paraeducators & Current Teachers
• Recruiting Washington Teachers/ Bilingual Educators Initiative
• Exchange and Visiting Teacher Certification

Grow-Your-Own Programs

• Maestros Para el Pueblo - This high school academy in Skagit Valley supports bilingual students on the educator pathway.
• Woodring Bilingual Teaching Fellows Program– This Western Washington University program supports paraeducators to become bilingual teachers.