Dual Language Immersion

About Dual Language Immersion at RUSD

The Redlands USD Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program is an instructional model in which native English speakers and native Spanish speakers learn together in the same classroom, supporting students in becoming bilingual, biliterate, academically successful, and socioculturally competent in both languages.

Bilingual students can speak and understand two languages.
Biliterate students can read and write proficiently in two languages.
 

The goal of DLI is for students to develop both skills, preparing them for academic success, college and career readiness, and meaningful participation in a multilingual world.

Students begin the DLI program in kindergarten and continue through the elementary grades. Research shows that sustained participation over multiple years is essential for students to reach high levels of bilingualism and biliteracy. Students may be eligible to earn the California State Seal of Biliteracy upon meeting state criteria in high school.

Program Design

RUSD’s Dual Language Immersion program uses a 90/10 instructional model in the early grades. In kindergarten, approximately 90 percent of instruction is delivered in Spanish and 10 percent in English. Each year, the amount of English instruction gradually increases until instructional time is balanced at approximately 50 percent English and 50 percent Spanish by fifth grade.

A balanced enrollment of English-dominant and Spanish-dominant students is a key component of the program’s success. This model allows students to serve as language models for one another while learning collaboratively.

Family Commitment

Dual Language Immersion is an optional program, and space is limited. Because language development builds over time, families are encouraged to commit to the program for multiple years. Entering and exiting the program can disrupt language growth and academic progress.

RUSD partners with families to support students throughout their dual language journey. Research shows that sustained participation, along with family engagement such as reading with and supporting students at home, is associated with the strongest academic and language outcomes.

Benefits of Dual Language Immersion

Based on decades of peer-reviewed research and guidance from the California Department of Education:

Academic Benefits

• Students in dual language programs perform at the same or higher academic levels as peers in English-only programs over time.

• Learning in two languages strengthens overall literacy, including reading comprehension and writing skills.

• Long-term participation supports higher rates of academic persistence and graduation.

Cognitive Benefits

• Bilingual students demonstrate stronger executive functioning skills such as attention control, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility.

• Research shows bilingualism is associated with enhanced metalinguistic awareness, or the ability to think about how language works.

• There is no evidence that learning two languages causes confusion or delays academic development.

Social and Cultural Benefits

• Students develop cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives.

• Learning alongside peers from different linguistic backgrounds supports positive identity development and confidence.

• Students gain skills needed to communicate effectively across cultures and communities.

College, Career, and Workforce Benefits

• Bilingual and biliterate students are better prepared for a global economy and diverse workplaces.

• Multilingual skills are increasingly valued across career fields, including education, healthcare, public service, and business.

Click here to view a PDF of the Parent Information Webinar slideshow.

McKinley Elementary School

The school site selected for the 26-27 school year is McKinley Elementary for grades TK-5. Future grades will include both middle and high school. Secondary school sites have not yet been determined.