Dual Language Education and Resources
Contact Information
Dual Language Education
Kristin Percy Calaff, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Multilingual EducationElizabeth LaFever
Dual Language Program Supervisor, ESD 121 (King) & 189Teresa Mendoza-Casby
Dual Language Program Supervisor, ESD 105, 112, & 123Katie Sperling
Multilingual & Dual Program Supervisor, ESD 101 & 171Patricia Venegas-Weber
Dual Language Program Supervisor, ESD 113, 114, & 121 (Pierce)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.
- 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
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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
- Dual & Heritage Language Resources
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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.