Dual Language Education and Resources
Dual Language Education
Kristin Percy Calaff, Ph.D.
Director of Multilingual Education564-999-3144
Ema Shirk
Supporting Heritage and Dual Language Programs564-200-3167
Teresa Mendoza-Casby
Supporting Dual Language Programs564-999-0610
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 and Lindholm-Leary & Genesee, 2010.
Videos
These videos provide information and perspectives on dual language education from the state superintendent, parents, students, educators, and administrators.
- A Vision for Dual Language Education in Washington State
- Parent and Student Voice for Dual Language Education
- A Story about Dual Language with Mr. López, Wenatchee Public Schools
- Bilingual Educators: Transforming Lives through Dual Language
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 Framework Template can be used to plan and document program policies and structures.
- Starting a Heritage Language Program provides guidance on starting a sustainable heritage language program.
- Designing and Refining Heritage Language Programs is a set of presentation slides on heritage programs.
Professional Learning
Dual Language
- Dual Language Webinar Series 2023-24: Developing Strong Dual Language Programs – Monthly webinars unpack the Dual Language Program Guide.
- Visit the Webinars & Newsletters page for slides and recordings.
- 2023-24 Dual Language Leaders' PLC – School and district leaders engage in inquiry cycles around problems of practice in dual language education.
Heritage Language
- Heritage Language Webinar Series 2023-24: Cultivating Multiliteracy through Heritage Language Programs – Monthly webinars on heritage programs.
- 2023-24 Heritage Language & Less-Commonly Taught Languages Educator PLC – Support and connections for languages other than Spanish.
Resources
- Spanish Language Standards & Instructional Resources
-
Spanish Language Arts & Language Development Standards
- Common Core State Standards in Language Arts and Literacy
- WIDA Spanish Language Development Framework (Marco DALE)
Instructional Resources
- 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
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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.