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 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
  • Common Core in Spanish for Grades K-5
  • Common Core in Spanish for Grades 6-12
• 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.