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, 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 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 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.
• 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 Leaders’ Elementary PLC: Monthly virtual meetings on 1st Tuesdays at noon for district and school leaders focused on best practices for elementary dual language program implementation. 
• Dual Language Leaders' Secondary PLC: Monthly virtual meetings on 2nd Tuesdays at noon for district and school leaders focused on best practices for secondary dual language program implementation. 
• Dual Language Spanish Teacher Leader Cohort: Monthly virtual meetings on 3rd Tuesdays at 3:30 pm for school staff teaching in Spanish focused on instructional practices and planning with the WIDA Marco DALE. 
• Dual Language Drop-in Office Hours: District and school leaders can drop in for dual language support on 3rd-5th Tuesdays at noon.

Resources

Spanish Language Standards & Instructional Resources

Spanish Language Arts & Language Development Standards

• Common Core State Standards in Spanish Language Arts and Literacy
• WIDA Spanish Language Development Framework (Marco DALE) 

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
• WIDA Español

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.