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Dual Language Immersion

At Redwood Elementary, we are proud to offer Fontana Unified School District’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program, a unique educational opportunity designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global society. Our program provides an enriching and dynamic learning experience where students are immersed in both English and Spanish, helping them develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and sociocultural competency from an early age.

The 90-10 Model: A Strong Foundation for Language Development

Our DLI program at Redwood Elementary begins in Kindergarten with a 90-10 model, meaning that 90% of the instructional time is conducted in Spanish, while the remaining 10% is in English. This immersion approach helps students become fluent in Spanish while also building a strong foundation in literacy. As students progress through each grade level, the ratio of instruction in English increases by 10%, gradually transitioning to a balanced approach where students spend equal time learning in both English and Spanish by the fifth grade.

This "sequential literacy" model focuses on developing literacy in the partner language (Spanish) first before formally introducing literacy in English. Research shows that young children are most adept at learning a second language, and this immersion approach maximizes their ability to develop fluency, pronunciation, and natural language expression in both languages.

Fostering Bilingualism, Biliteracy, and Academic Excellence

The goal of our DLI program is to cultivate students who are bilingual and biliterate, which is essential for their academic success and future opportunities. By learning in both languages, students develop cognitive and academic skills that enhance their overall achievement, preparing them to excel in an increasingly multilingual and multicultural world. Our students gain:

  • Bilingualism and Biliteracy: Mastery of two languages, enabling them to communicate effectively in diverse environments.
  • High Levels of Academic Achievement: Students achieve strong academic outcomes in both languages, contributing to their success in school and beyond.
  • Sociocultural Competency: An understanding and appreciation of different cultures, preparing them to be active and engaged global citizens.

A Balanced Approach: Serving All Students

At Redwood Elementary, our DLI program is designed for both English Learners (ELs) and monolingual English-speaking students. In a two-way immersion model, about half of the students are native speakers of the partner language (Spanish), while the other half are native English speakers. This diverse classroom environment promotes cross-cultural learning and allows all students to benefit from the strengths of both languages.

For English Learners, the DLI program provides a positive alternative to traditional English-only instruction. Research has shown that English Learners who participate in dual language programs experience improved academic achievement, stronger language development, and positive socioemotional outcomes. Our goal is to close the achievement gap for EL students while providing opportunities for all students to gain valuable multilingual and sociocultural skills.

Preparing Students for a Global Future

In today’s global economy, being bilingual and culturally competent is more important than ever. Through our DLI program, Redwood Elementary students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a diverse world. They are not only learning a language, but also gaining confidence, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills. By the time they graduate from our program, students will be well-prepared to succeed in college, career, and life, with access to increased future opportunities.

Our DLI program equips students with essential 21st-century skills, including the use of technology, and prepares them for advanced academic programs and enrichment opportunities. In addition, students who complete our DLI program will be eligible for the State and District Seals of Biliteracy, a prestigious recognition that demonstrates their proficiency in both English and Spanish.

The Path Ahead: K-12 Expansion

Fontana Unified School District is committed to expanding the DLI program into a K-12 pathway, ensuring that students continue to develop their bilingual and biliteracy skills throughout their academic journey. This expansion will provide students with even more opportunities to achieve academic excellence, foster cultural awareness, and gain the skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

At Redwood Elementary, we are proud to offer a program that not only prepares students academically but also helps them develop into well-rounded, multilingual, and culturally aware individuals. We believe that by starting early and providing a strong foundation in both languages, we are giving our students the tools they need to become engaged and prosperous citizens in a dynamic global community.

We invite you to learn more about our Dual Language Immersion program and how it can benefit your child’s educational journey at Redwood Elementary. Together, we can help our students thrive in a multilingual and multicultural world.