Dual Language Immersion
What is Dual Language Immersion?
The Gresham-Barlow School District uses a model of bilingual education called Dual Language Immersion (DLI), through which students become bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English.
This means that students from Spanish-speaking homes, English-speaking homes, and bilingual homes learn both Spanish and English together in an immersion environment. Students learn to listen, speak, read, and write both languages through learning math, language arts, science, and social studies content.
Our program is based on the Guiding Principles of Dual Language and it is built on the three pillars of dual language:
- Bilingualism and biliteracy
- High academic achievement in both languages
- Sociocultural competence and critical consciousness
We strive to use research-based practices in our instruction, planning, and teacher preparation.
Why enroll in DLI?
- Learn both English and Spanish - speaking, reading, and writing, as well as academic language in math, science, and social studies
- Higher academic achievement in a variety of subject areas over the long term
- Greater career opportunities and professional outcomes
- Increased cultural awareness and empathy
- Long-term studies show that English Language Learners in Dual Language programs perform better than the average scores of students in monolingual English instruction in Normal Curve Equivalents of standardized assessments.
Who can enroll?
The DLI program is open to students across the Gresham-Barlow School District.
The district provides transportation for:
- Students who live in the neighborhood of Highland Elementary
- Students who live in the neighborhood of North Gresham Elementary
- Students who live in the neighborhood of Hollydale Elementary (these students receive transportation to North Gresham)
- Spanish-speaking students who have recently arrived in the United States who live within the district boundaries
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, 6th grade students will be able to join the program at Clear Creek Middle School.
All students living within the Gresham-Barlow School District must be registered with their neighborhood school .
Students who live outside of those school neighborhoods are welcome to apply, but families must provide their own transportation. They must also submit a transfer request form.
Students who live outside of the Gresham-Barlow School District boundaries must be released from their home school district and families must provide their own transportation.
Interest forms (K and 1st grade):
Highland Elementary School
North Gresham Elementary School
Students who are interested in enrolling in the program after January of 1st grade will be assessed for their Spanish language proficiency.
What to expect
- Students will be immersed in Spanish starting in Kindergarten
Percentage of instruction in each language:
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- In Middle School and High School, students will take Spanish Language Arts and at least one other content area (Math, Science, or Social Studies) in Spanish each year
- Students learn to read and write in Spanish first
- Students are learning two languages - their academic progress will look different compared to peers in monolingual classes
- A long-term commitment to the program typically leads to stronger academic outcomes
Family commitment
- Support your child and encourage using Spanish at home
- Consistent attendance (90% or higher)
- Read with your child in any language(s) you use at home
- Make a long-term commitment to stay in the program at least through 5th grade
Transition to Middle School
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Clear Creek Middle School will offer Dual Language instruction at the 6th grade level. With each subsequent year, a new grade level will be added (7th grade in 2026-27 and 8th grade in 2027-28).
Students will receive instruction in both Spanish Language Arts and English Language Arts. These courses include reading, writing, and language development (vocabulary, grammar, etc).
For the 2025-26 school year, 6th grade students will also take Math in Spanish. All remaining classes will be in English.
Students who receive English Language Development (ELD) or Special Education services will continue to receive those services.
Students will have access to Physical Education (PE) instruction. We intend for students to have access to the elective wheel (band, art, STEAM).
If you have questions about the transition to middle school, please submit them here.