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Dual Language Immersion Program 

Jimenez Elementary offers a Spanish/English Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program for incoming Transitional Kinder (TK) and Kindergartners. There are no English Only (EO) classes offered for TK or Kindergarten. For 1st - 8th grade students, there are two English Only (EO) classes and two DLI classes. Each of those EO classes will be phasing out as the current kindergarten class makes its way up through the grade levels–meaning that, by 2033, all of Jimenez’s classes will be dual language classes.

Why DLI?

The DLI program at Jimenez Elementary is designed to help students become fluent and academically proficient in both English and Spanish. Through this program, students will achieve strong academic success, gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, and develop the skills needed to become active, globally-conscious citizens in today's world.

Early exposure to a second language has a powerful impact on a child's intellectual growth, offering benefits such as:

  • Strengthened cognitive skills
  • Increased ability to adapt to different learning styles
  • Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities
  • Improved overall academic performance
  • Potential for higher scores on standardized tests

Philosophy

The DLI program at Jimenez Elementary is taught by fully credentialed teachers who follow the California Common Core Standards in all subjects. Instruction is provided in both English and Spanish from TK through 8th grade. Literacy will be developed in both languages, and the language of instruction will be divided by time or content throughout the day. In the early stages, students may respond in either language, but teachers will consistently provide instruction in either English or Spanish, as designated for each part of the day.

  • Quality DLI programs can help close the achievement gap.
  • Students in quality DLI programs outperform their peers in demographically similar non-DLI schools.
  • DLI students fall slightly behind in English assessments in the early grades, but by 4th-5th grade, they surpass their peers in non-DLI schools.
  • There are cognitive and developmental benefits to learning two (or more) languages at an early age:
  • Increased attention span
  • Improved problem-solving skills

 

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