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Dual Language (DL)

The goal of Dual Language (DL) programs is for students to develop literacy and academic proficiency in both English and in Spanish. The recommendation is that children will continue in this program through the completion of fifth grade in order to receive the full benefits of the program. The child’s progress will be carefully monitored for progress in academic achievement and second language acquisition. Please note that completion of the form does not guarantee participation in the program.  Placement in this program is based on meeting appropriate criteria that includes the following areas: academic, language, behavioral, and family engagement and support. Academic and linguistic data are gathered today by the teachers working with your child. After this conversation, families who are interested will complete the next steps, which include a behavior questionnaire and a parent contract.  

One-Way Dual Language 

As per NSYED, “In the one-way Dual Language program model, students who come from the same primary or home language and or background have the opportunity to be bilingual or multilingual. The teacher or teachers provide instruction in both English and the primary or home language simultaneously.” Spanish-speaking students work to become bilingual in English and Spanish. This program is for English Language Learners (ELLs) only.  

This program is offered at the following schools: 

  • Universal Pre-K
  • John F. Kennedy Elementary School  

Two-Way Dual Language

As per NYSED, ”The two-way Dual Language program includes both native English speakers and ELLs.” The teacher or teachers provide instruction in both English and Spanish. Students receive half of their instruction in English and half of their instruction in Spanish. Students transition between two classrooms, an English zone and a Spanish zone. Instruction is delivered by two teachers through a side-by-side model where one teacher delivers instruction in English and another delivers instruction in Spanish. The goal of this program is for students to develop literacy and proficiency in English and in Spanish. 

This program is offered at the following schools: 

  • Park Avenue Elementary School
  • Thomas A. Edison Elementary School (Grades 4-5)
  • Port Chester Middle School

The Multilingual Learner Program at Port Chester Middle School  is a two-way dual language program for students in grades 6 through 8 who are demonstrating proficiency in both English and Spanish. Eligible students include English Language Learners (ELLs) that speak Spanish as a home language and students who have been enrolled in the Dual Language Program in one of the Port Chester elementary schools. Students in this program have the opportunity to receive instruction in Spanish in two core content areas classes and Spanish Language Arts. The Spanish core content instruction rotates over the three years that the students are enrolled at PCMS, culminating in two years of instruction in Spanish in science, social studies, and math. The goal of this program is for students to develop and strengthen literacy and proficiency in English and in Spanish.