Instructional Program
Students from two language groups attend class together in an optimum 50:50 mix, learning from one another and supporting each other in the acquisition of a second language.

English speakers may enter the Dual Language program at the Kindergarten level. Spanish speakers may be admitted at any grade level, depending on their level of literacy in Spanish and their oral English proficiency.

Key Components

• Commitment to the Program - Students and their families are expected to make a minimum six-year commitment to the Dual Language Program.
  
  
• Classroom Composition - The optimum classroom is composed of 50% English speakers and 50% Spanish speakers.
  
  
• Language Separation - Instructional delivery is monolingual at all times. Teachers do not use translation for comprehension.
  
  
• Bilingual Staff - Teachers possess native-like fluency and literacy in the target language. Bilingual instructional assistants and support staff serve as language role models.
  
  
• Parent Involvement - Parent involvement is an integral part of the program. Parents are expected to:
  · Commit to being in the program for six years.
  · Volunteer in activities to promote the program.
  · Work with their child(ren) at home.
  · Encourage the child(ren)'s second language learning efforts.
  · Provide reading materials in two languages at home.
  · Attend dual language functions.

A bilingual program is one in which academic instruction is given to children in their native language as they acquire the new language (English). Students have the opportunity to improve knowledge of their native language, and to solve problems in subjects like mathematics and science, as they acquire English fluency and comprehension. This occurs until the child's academic skill level in the English language is proficient and the child can transfer into an all-English environment.

The Bilingual Program in the Northside ISD guarantees that all students will learn how to speak, read, write, and understand English. Whether in a bilingual program or not, all students in the State of Texas receive the same preparation in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards. Bilingual teachers provide parents a list of objectives that students are expected to reach during the school year and this information is readily available in Spanish for parents.

Upon exiting the bilingual program, students will not only have gained all the knowledge of an excellent academic program, but they will have also learned a second language, English, under high academic standards.

Students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade will develop an appreciation for the Spanish language and gain an understanding of the Hispanic culture and holidays while developing a basic conversation vocabulary. This will be achieved through an interactive format in structured activities, games, songs, and conversations.

Northside Bilingual Department

Texas Association for Bilingual Education

The Parent Partners are an essential component in the success of our Dual Language Program. Esparza has one Parent Partner, who is paid with money from our grant. The responsibilities for the parent partner are:

Assist teachers in communicating with parents regarding homework, concerns, progress, etc.
Assist with set up for parent meetings
Attend dual language teacher meetings
Attend dual language training sessions/professional development workshops on an annual basis
Communicate with colleagues at other campuses
Assist teachers, principals, office staff and dual language specialist in explaining the philosophy of program
Compile and archive video portfolio of all dual language students to be shared with parents
Assist with dual language presentations
Assist in seeking district support for continuing the implementation of dual language program
Attend appropriate workshops and training sessions
Participate in dual language campus visits
Record and turn in hours worked on a bi-monthly basis to dual language specialist
Assist teachers in classroom on special occasions
Tutor children as needed (reading groups, math skills, individual assistance)