Robbinsdale Area Schools

Northport

Elementary

Spanish Dual Language Program

Students from two language backgrounds learn together while instruction is systematically delivered in two languages.

Students read, write, listen and speak in both languages becoming bilingual, biliterate, bicultural while working towards grade level academic achievement. Dual language offers a chance for students to add another language while at the optimal age for language learning.

Para leer esto en español, haga clic en el botón que dice 'English' (Inglés) en la parte inferior derecha de la pantalla.

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Goals

  • Become bilingual and biliterate, developing high levels of proficiency in two languages.
  • Perform at or above grade level in academic areas in both languages.
  • Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors.

We are now enrolling Kindergartners into our Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program for the 2021-2022 School Year! Click the button below to complete an interest form.

Kindergarten interest form

One student shows another student a book.
A student wears traditional clothes from a South America county
A young student sitting in a chair reading a book

Spanish Dual Language Program

Our Two-Way Spanish Dual-Language Program is open to students at Northport Elementary. In this program, students from different language backgrounds learn together while instruction is systematically delivered in two languages. Students read, write, listen and speak in both languages becoming bilingual, biliterate and bicultural while working toward grade level academic achievement. Dual language offers an opportunity for students to add another language while at the optimal age for language learning.

  • Families complete a program preference form and will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis
  • Classrooms balanced between native speakers of English and native Speakers of Spanish
    • students support each other as both models and learners of language
  • Two Spanish Dual Language classrooms per grade level (Kindergarten 2019-2020 school year; Kindergarten and 1st grade 2020-2021 school year; additional grades will be added each school year with a full K-5th grade program by the 2024-2025 school year)
  • Transportation provided to students who reside within the Northport attendance area

Students who join the program will see incredible benefits throughout their life. Knowing two languages allows for greater success in university language classes and employment opportunities. Additionally, language skills open the door to other countries, cultures and people.

Three Pillars of Dual Language Education

 

Bilingualism and Biliteracy

 

Grade Level Academic Achievement

 

Socio-cultural Competence

Program Structure

Our program follows a 90:10 model during the early grades (K-1) with students beginning with a large percentage of the day in Spanish. As students rise in grade level the amount of English instructional time progresses to where English instruction becomes half of a child’s day. 

Middle and high school programming is being developed to continue students' learning and language development K-12

Program Benefits

Social-Emotional Development

  • Students maintain a strong sense of own identity, developing sensitivity toward other people and cultures.
  • Students have a greater awareness of needs and wellbeing of others
     

Cognitive Development

  • Understanding math concepts
  • Developing strong logic skills
  • Focus, memory and decision making
  • Meta-linguistic awareness
     

Learning

  • Flexible approaches to thinking through problems
  • High levels of abstract thought
Kindergarten and 1st grade

  • Morning meeting, science and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.

  • Content-based social studies in English.
  • 238 minutes in Spanish; 27 minutes in English --> 90:10
     
2nd grade

  • Morning meeting, social studies, and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.

  • Content-based science in English.
  • 212 minutes in Spanish; 53 minutes in English --> 80:20
     
3rd grade (starting 2022)

  • Morning meeting, science and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.

  • Social studies in English and English literacy
  • 185 minutes in Spanish; 80 minutes in English --> 70:30
     
4th grade (starting 2023)

  • Morning meeting, social students and math in Spanish and Spanish literacy.

  • Science in English and English literacy
  • 159 minutes in Spanish; 106 minutes in English --> 60:40
     
5th grade (starting 2024)

  • Morning meeting and science in Spanish and Spanish literacy.

  • Social studies and math in English and English literacy
  • 132 minutes in Spanish; 132 minutes in English --> 50:50

Frequently Asked Questions

More information

Contact the Coordinator for Multilingual Programs at dli@rdale.org