Alvord Unified School District is proud to have two schools with a Two-way Bilingual Immersion program, most commonly known as Dual Language Immersion (DLI). Dual language Immersion offers English and Spanish speaking students an exciting, enriching, and challenging educational opportunity. DLI education aims to ensure students become bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural starting in the early years of school where children are best primed for language learning and readily open to cultural experiences. Once enrolled, students will have the opportunity to continue dual language education through elementary and into middle and high school. The goal of this comprehensive K-12 DLI program is for students to enter into college and career fully literate in two languages.

It is with great pride that the Alvord Unified School District provides this educational opportunity to its students and community. Participation in dual language education is optional and space is limited.

If you are interested in dual language education contact the EL office at (951)509-5094.  

FAQ

Q. What is the class size of DLI program compared to other classes?
DLI class sizes will be the same as other classes at the same grade level.

Q. How do students progress through the program from grade level to grade level?
Terrace has two DLI classes per grade level (K-5). Students progress through grade levels similar to their non-DLI peers. When building classes, careful attention is given to make sure classes are balanced.

Q. What are the school hours?
School hours for Terrace Kindergarten are 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hours for grades 1-5 are 8:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Every Tuesday is a minimum day. Check our School Schedule and Calendar HERE.

Q. Which middle and high schools will offer DLI?
Loma Vista Middle School is our only middle school with DLI at this time. The high school will be La Sierra.

Q. Can I bring my child to Alvord from another district's DLI program in year 2?
Students who apply to Alvord’s DLI program from another district DLI program may be considered at any grade level in which the program is being offered in Alvord.

Q. What is a parent consultation within the DLI application process?
A parent consultation is a one-on-one appointment with a staff member from the district. This is an opportunity for parents to have any remaining questions answered.  Additionally, during this time, your child will be screened for language proficiency.

Q. Will DLI be offered to all students?
DLI is offered to all incoming kindergarten students.  Parents who are interested in the program are encouraged to apply.      
    
Q. What are the criteria for selecting students for the DLI program?
Eligible students will be accepted to the program based on space availability and the following program criteria:
Younger siblings of currently enrolled students in a Dual Language Immersion program
School of residence
Students that reside within Alvord USD boundaries
Students who enter our district and were in a Dual Language Immersion program in their previous district
Spanish-proficient students who are new to the United States
Students from outside Alvord USD boundaries

Q. How many DLI classrooms will be offered per site?
The program has two (2) DLI classes per grade level.

Q. If I transfer my child to a DLI school site, can I transfer them back to my home school if it begins to offer DLI?
 Since DLI begins at the kindergarten level, it is unlikely that a new DLI school site will offer DLI at your student’s current grade level.

Q. What is the difference between Alternative Bilingual Education and DLI?
Alternative course of study (Alternative Bilingual Education) contains classes where English learners are taught English and other subjects through bilingual education techniques. DLI is for both English learners and native English speakers with the intent of developing two languages,  English and a second or target language, in this case Spanish.

Q. I have a 3 year old, can I sign-up now?
Currently, there are no early/advance sign-ups for DLI classes.

Q. For ELs, will they need to be reclassified if they are in DLI?
Yes.  By state regulations, English learners must meet reclassification criteria to be reclassified from English learner status regardless of program placement.

Q. Is this program only offered to children entering Kindergarten?
The program will only start with kindergarten students.  We are looking into the possibility of offering DLI Transitional Kindergarten in the future.

Q. How can I find the academic achievement information level of a school site?
Parents can do an internet search on any school’s School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for achievement information.  Additionally, we encourage you to meet with the school principal for specific school information.

Q. Which teachers will teach the DLI program?
Teachers for this program are selected based on specific requirements, two of which are required credentials and knowledge of academic English and Spanish.

Q. If my kindergartener is accepted into the DLI program, can my other children transfer to the school?
Transfer requests for students outside of the DLI program will be determined on space availability at the specific grade/school.

Q.  Why is DLI not offered in the Head Start program?
Head Start is its own agency; parents are encouraged to inquire with Head Start administration.