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Twin Rivers Unified School District

Twin Rivers Unified School District

Twin Rivers currently offers Spanish-English Dual Language Immersion programs for elementary and middle school students in Kindergarten - 8th grade.

Why Choose Dual Language Immersion? 

Why Choose Dual Language Immersion? 

Benefits of dual languages are:
 
  • Higher self-esteem and self confidence
  • Increased cognitive stimulation
  • Increased problem-solving skills and creativity  
  • Improved tests scores and a higher graduation rate 
  • Fewer disciplinary referrals  
  • Higher levels of engagement 
  • Appreciation for diversity
Schools with Dual Language Immersion 

Schools with Dual Language Immersion 

Elementary
Las Palmas Elementary School (916) 566-2700
Madison Elementary School (916) 566-1900
 
Middle Schools 
Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy (916) 566-3490
 

What is Dual Language Immersion?

 
A dual language immersion program has goals of full bilingualism and biliteracy in English and a target (non-English) language. The program enrolls native English speakers and native speakers of the target language. For the program to be considered a dual (or two-way) immersion program, a minimum of 33% of each linguistic group would have to be represented in each classroom. If there is less than 33% of one of the linguistic groups, the program would be considered to be a one-way immersion program. In both dual and one-way immersion programs, the two groups of students are integrated for all or most of the instruction. The instruction is given in one language; the teacher does not switch between languages during lessons.
 
Dual language immersion programs provide instruction in language arts, math, and other academic content areas (such as science, social studies, arts, etc.) over the course of the program. The target language is used for at least 50% and up to 90% of the instructional time and English is used a minimum of 10% and up to 50% of the instructional time in kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5). In programs that are 50% in English and 50% in the target language in grades K-5, the subjects taught in each language are typically consistent throughout the grade levels. In programs that start out with greater than 50% of the time in the target language (such as 90% in the target language and 10% in English) and decrease the amount of target language instruction in each subsequent grade level until instruction is 50% in the target language and in English, subjects that are initially taught in the target language may shift to being taught in English as the percentage of time in English instruction increases. Secondary (grades 6-12) programs offer up to three classes per semester in the target language.
 
School districts throughout California and the United States offer dual language immersion programs in many languages, including Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Armenian, German, French, and Vietnamese. Dual language immersion programs strive to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors for all students.

Who can apply for the Elementary School DLI program?

 
All students from throughout the district entering kindergarten may apply.
 
To apply:
  1. Register your kindergarten student at your school of attendance in the district using the Twin Rivers Online Enrollment process
  2. Submit a completed DLI Program Application and return it to the DLI site of choice (Madison Elementary or Las Palmas Elementary).
  3. The school will contact you to schedule your child for a language assessment, if applying after Kindergarten.

Who can apply for the Middle School DLI program?

 
  • Students who have been enrolled in a TRUSD elementary DLI program from Kindergarten to grade 6 are encouraged to continue their DLI education at MLKTA. Existing students will automatically be enrolled unless they choose another district program.
  • Students new to Twin Rivers may elect the DLI Middle school program if they have prior K-6 DLI experience outside of TRUSD.
  • Additionally, Spanish-speaking students who are newcomers to the US education system (3 years or less) with mid to strong literacy skills in Spanish are welcome to join.
  • NOTE: DLI students who formerly attended Madison Elementary' s K-6 DLI program will be provided with transportation from Madison Elementary to Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy.
 
For students new to Twin Rivers, follow the Dual Immersion Middle School enrollment procedure: 
  1. Register your middle school student at the school of attendance in the district using the Twin Rivers Online Enrollment process.
  2. Complete the DLI Program Application and return it to Martin Luther King Jr Tech Academy.
  3. If your school of attendance is not MLKTA, complete an Intra-District Transfer form and include it with your DLI Program Application. 
 
If applying with no prior DLI experience, your child will be scheduled for a language assessment to ensure DLI placement is the best option for your child. Once the application and transfer request (if needed) are approved, a representative from MLKTA will contact you to set up your child's course schedule in the DLI program.

How can I learn more?

 
Parents who are interested in learning about the Dual Language Immersion Program are encouraged to visit any of the three campuses and request a tour. Parents can attend monthly parent information meetings known as "Coffee and Conversation" at the campuses where you'll meet parents of current DLI students and can ask questions about the program. 
 
Visit the school websites (Madison Elementary, Las Palmas Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Academy) for the parent information meeting schedule or contact the school office for more information. 
 
 

Parent Resources

 
DLI Brochure Elementary
(English) (Spanish)

DLI Brochure Middle School
(English) (Spanish)




Staff

Staff

EL Coordinator 
(916) 566-1600 ext. 33423
 
DLI Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
(916) 566-1600 ext. 33414
Administrative Clerk Senior - Bilingual
(916) 566-1600 ext. 33420