Dual Language Immersion
Dual Language Immersion is at the foundation of our educational philosophy at John C. Daniels. Dual Language is a bilingual instruction model designed to help students from diverse linguistic backgrounds become academically proficient in two languages; we are only one of six Dual Language programs (Spanish and English) in the state of Connecticut.
All students at John C. Daniels learn in English and Spanish beginning in Kindergarten. At present, our students learn to read and write in their native language in Kindergarten and 1st grade, setting a strong foundation for literacy. Instruction in their target language, this is, Spanish for the English native and English for the Spanish native, begin in Math, Science, and/or Social Studies. By 2nd grade, all students receive 50% English instruction and 50% Spanish instruction in the content areas. In middle school, the model transitions gradually and students move to a world language model of instruction in 6th-8th grades, studying either Spanish (6th, 7th, 8th) or Mandarin Chinese (7th and 8th).
Dual language instruction benefits both English and Spanish dominant children cognitively, socially and academically to such extent that John Daniels’ students tend to outperform their district peers on standardized tests such as the CMT. John Daniels’ Dual Language program is nationally recognized by the Center for Applied Linguistics. In high school, our students demonstrate strong linguistic skills in Spanish, a marketable skill as they enter college and the work force.
Scholarly research consistently shows that students learn more when learning in two languages and that higher level of bilingualism lead to increased cognitive skills. That means that, no matter which language your child speaks at home, learning in English and Spanish has great potential to increase his or her capacity to think and learn in all subject areas. You can visit the Center for Applied Linguistics’ website to read more about Dual Language Instruction, also known as Two-Way Immersion. There are several models for Dual Language instruction, with the field expanding alongside the field of education, in general. Also, please contact the school to learn more about what Dual Language would mean for your child.
Teachers at John C. Daniels School of International Communication offer support to all learners. Learning in two languages is laborious and takes time but the eventual advantages are worthwhile. Teachers utilize specialized teaching methods and offer tutors, before and after school programs and homework help, and individualized assistance. Our goal is that all students succeed.
Dual Language 101
At least once a year, the school offers an in-depth workshop about Dual Language to answer the question: What can I expect from a dual language program and what must Dual Language expect from me (the student and his/her family)?
The handouts from that workshop are available below.
| Dual Langauge 101 Presentation Slideshow | (Bilingual) |
| Second Language Acquisition Stages | (English) |
| Las Etapas de Adquisicion del Segundo Idioma | (Espanol) |
| Two-Way Immersion Education: The Basics | (English) |
| Conceptos Basicos Sobre la Educacion Bilingue de Inmersion Reciproca | (Espanol) |
If you have any questions about Daniels School's Dual Language model of instruction, please feel free to contact us.
Dual Language in the News
The articles below are about the successes of dual language programs, in various parts of the country. Many include information that parents of JCD Dual Language students will find helpful.
Dual language lessons growing in popularity (californiawatch.org, 3/22/12)
Parents embrace dual-immersion instruction (dailynews.com, 3/5/12)
Dual language schools growing in Dallas-area schools, across state (dallasnews.com, 2/25/12)
The Latino gap: Dual language programs offer hope (kpbs.org, 2/2/12)
Momentum builds for dual language learning (edweek.org, 3/23/12)