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Dual Language Programs

Did you know HUSD is a Dual Language District?

Overview

 

Dual Language 1-Way programs are designed for students whose primary or home language is the partner language, which is taught alongside English throughout the day. In Hayward, we are proud to have some of the longest-running Dual Language 1-Way programs in the area. We currently offer Dual Language 1-Way in Spanish at seven of our Elementary Schools:

  • Cherryland Elementary
  • Glassbrook Elementary
  • Harder Elementary
  • Longwood Elementary
  • Palma Ceia Elementary
  • Park Elementary (Year-Round school)
  • Tyrrell Elementary

Dual Language 2-Way programs bring together native English speakers and native speakers of another language in a unique opportunity for both groups to learn a second language. Interactive lessons encourage students from both language groups to help each other understand, speak, read, and write one another's home language. All students gain a second language in this enriched educational environment. 

  • Burbank and Schafer Park Elementary Schools (Spanish Two-Way)
  • Stonebrae Elementary (Mandarin Two-Way)

To participate in the Dual Language 2-Way Program, we ask for a commitment to learning the second language from TK or K to 6th grade. Parents must attend a Dual Language 2-Way Informational Meeting and agree to sign a Parent Commitment Form in order to complete the enrollment process.

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Program Goals

The goal is acquisition of academic proficiency in two languages: English and Mandarin or Spanish, together with mastery of academic core content and multicultural proficiency. The program gives students an opportunity to become bi-literate and bi-cultural.  

Why Dual Language?

Language learning is natural for young children, and childhood is the ideal time to develop ease of expression and native-like pronunciation in a second language.  For over 30 years, research in Canada and the United States has documented the impressive development of second language fluency and academic achievement of children in immersion programs.  At the same time, immersion students have maintained and enriched their native language and literacy skills.

Why is it Beneficial?

Research shows that developing two languages during the elementary school years, students will have opportunities to:

  • Have a positive effect on intellectual growth and cognitive development.
  • Improve understanding of his/her native language.
  • Develop positive cultural identity and understanding of other cultures.
  • Increase job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
  • Develop a lifelong ability to approach problem-solving from multiple perspectives.

Who Can Enroll in this Program?

  • Does your child need academic challenges?
  • Do you value bi-literacy, bilingualism, and diversity?
  • Do you want your child to have a linguistic edge in tomorrow’s job market?
  • Are you willing to make a long-term commitment to the Mandarin or Spanish DLI program?

If you answer “yes” to these questions, then this may be the program for your child!

You must complete an application and attend an informal session (see above) about DLI for your child to be considered for the program. Students living within a school's attendance area are given priority into this program.