Language Program Options

Cognitive Benefits

Academic Advantages

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Social & Emotional Benefits

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Career & Economic Benefits

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The Multilingual Advantage

At SBCUSD, we believe in the power of language to open doors and create new opportunities for our students. Whether your child is an English learner or a native English speaker eager to become bilingual or multilingual, we offer a variety of programs to support their journey.

Multilingualism offers numerous advantages for students, enhancing their cognitive abilities, academic performance, and social skills. In today's globalized world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is a valuable asset that prepares students for a diverse and interconnected society.

Our Language Programs

Structured English Immersion (SEI): Focuses on building English proficiency while supporting academic growth.
Dual Immersion: Provides instruction in both English and another language, helping students develop full biliteracy.
Trilingual Immersion (at Belvedere Elementary): A unique opportunity for students to develop proficiency in two languages while developing conversational fluency in a third!

Each program includes Integrated and Designated English Language Development (ELD) or Spanish Language Development (SLD) every day, ensuring that students build strong language skills while mastering grade-level academic content.

The SEI program focuses primarily on English language development, while Dual Immersion is designed to develop full biliteracy. No matter which path your child takes, our goal is to nurture confident, capable multilingual learners.

We invite you to explore the options and find the best fit for your child’s language-learning journey!

Cognitive Benefits

Enhanced Brain Function

Improved Memory: Learning multiple languages enhances memory and cognitive functions, helping students retain and recall information more effectively.
Increased Creativity: Multilingual students often display higher levels of creativity and problem-solving skills due to their ability to think in different languages and perspectives.
Better Multitasking: Switching between languages improves the brain's executive functions, allowing multilingual students to multitask more efficiently.

Delayed Cognitive Decline

Lifelong Benefits: Research indicates that bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and other cognitive decline conditions in later life, promoting long-term brain health.

Academic Advantages

Higher Academic Achievement

Improved Test Scores: Multilingual students often perform better on standardized tests, including verbal and mathematical assessments, due to their enhanced cognitive abilities.
Stronger Language Skills: Learning additional languages improves students' understanding and mastery of their first language, enhancing overall literacy skills.

Enhanced Learning Opportunities

Access to Diverse Resources: Multilingual students can access a wider range of educational materials and resources, providing a broader and richer learning experience.
Increased Cultural Awareness: Exposure to multiple languages fosters an appreciation for different cultures, promoting global awareness and empathy.

Social & Emotional Benefits

Improved Communication Skills

Better Social Interactions: Multilingual students can communicate with a wider range of people, fostering stronger relationships and social networks.
Enhanced Empathy: Understanding and speaking multiple languages allows students to see the world from different perspectives, increasing their empathy and emotional intelligence.

Greater Confidence

Self-Esteem Boost: Mastering multiple languages gives students a sense of achievement and boosts their self-confidence.
Adaptability: Multilingual students are often more adaptable and open to new experiences, making them more resilient in diverse social settings.

Career & Economic Benefits

Competitive Edge

Job Market Advantage: Multilingualism is highly valued in the job market, giving students a competitive edge in various career fields, including international business, diplomacy, and translation.
Higher Earning Potential: Employees who speak multiple languages often have higher earning potential due to the demand for bilingual or multilingual skills.

Global Opportunities

International Mobility: Proficiency in multiple languages opens up opportunities for studying, working, and living abroad, enhancing students' global mobility and career prospects.
Cultural Competence: Multilingualism equips students with the cultural competence needed to thrive in diverse and multicultural environments.

English version

Spanish version

English Learners Options

Opciónes para estudiantes de inglés

Structured English Immersion (SEI)

Dual Immersion

Table identifying the 90/10 Language Immersion model for each grade level. Instruction in Spanish begins at 90% for PreK, TK & K, with English at 10% with English increasing by 10% each year until instruction is 50% English and 50% Spanish beginning in the 4th grade.

What is Dual Immersion?

Dual Immersion programs teach students in two languages, helping them become bilingual and biliterate

Language learning and academic instruction is provided for native English speakers and native Spanish speakers.
This program is designed to develop high academic achievement, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding.
Dual Immersion is available for students in grades TK-12th.
For Dual Immersion brochures, select English or Spanish.

90/10 Immersion Model

In TK/Kindergarten, 90% of instruction is in the target language (for example Spanish or Vietnamese), and 10% in English. As students progress, English instruction increases until both languages are balanced with 50% of instruction in the target language and 50% in English.

Benefits of Dual Immersion

Cognitive: improved problem-solving, memory and multitasking skills
Academic: Higher test scores and better reading comprehension
Cultural: Greater appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures

Trilingual Immersion

What is Trilingual Immersion?

Our Trilingual Immersion program promotes bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish for both native English speakers and English learner students, while introducing Vietnamese as a third language.

Benefits of Trilingual Immersion

Enhanced cognitive flexibility and academic achievement
Opportunities for global careers and cultural exchange

SBCUSD Program Brochures

Dual Immersion, Trilingual Immersion & more

Dual Immersion, Trilingual Immersion & more

Bilingual/Dual Language Education - Families

Benefits of Being Bilingual

Steps to Enroll

Language Assessment Center (LAC)
How to Choose the Right Program for Your Child

Language Assessment Center (LAC)

Enrolling Your Child in a Language Program

At SBCUSD, we are committed to helping families choose the best language program for their child. Our enrollment process ensures that parents have the information and support they need to make the right choice.

Step 1: Consultation with the Language Assessment Center

Upon enrolling, parents will meet with Language Assessment Center staff to:

Review their child's language assessment results.
Learn about all available program options.
Ask questions and receive personalized guidance.

Step 2: Choosing a Program

Parents select the language program that best fits their child’s needs.

If choosing a biliteracy program (Dual Immersion, Transitional Bilingual, or Trilingual Immersion), parents must sign a Commitment to Participate form after the consultation.

Step 3: Placement Process

The Multilingual Programs Department coordinates student placement.
Until placement is approved, all students will be in an English mainstream classroom.
The Language Assessment Center provides brochures, videos, and other resources in English and Spanish to help parents make an informed decision.

Important: How to Secure a Spot in a Biliteracy Program

Placement in Dual Immersion, Transitional Bilingual, and Trilingual Immersion programs is based on:

Completing a program orientation session
Submitting the Commitment to Participate form

💡 Act Early! To reserve your child’s spot in a biliteracy program, schedule an appointment with the Language Assessment Center as soon as possible.

We look forward to supporting your child’s multilingual journey!

How to Choose the Right Program for Your Child

Finding the right language program for your child is an important decision that can shape their academic and personal growth. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Understand Your Child’s Learning Style

Does your child thrive in structured environments or prefer hands-on learning?
Are they comfortable with immersive experiences, or do they need gradual exposure to a new language?

2. Identify Their Interests

Do they show enthusiasm for different languages and cultures?
Are they motivated by social interactions, storytelling, or music in multiple languages?

3. Consider Long-Term Goals

Are you looking for fluency in two or more languages for future career opportunities?
Do you want them to maintain heritage language skills and cultural connections?

4. Explore Program Types

Dual Language Immersion: Equal instruction in English and a second language.
Trilingual Immersion: Equal instruction in English and a second language (Spanish), while developing conversational fluency.

By considering these factors, you can choose a program that aligns with your child’s strengths and future aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the goals of the Dual Immersion (DI) program?

What is the goal of the Trilingual Immersion (TI) program?

If I place my child in the Dual Immersion program, will they be considered an English learner?

I don't speak Spanish at home. Will that be a concern?

Will my child fall behind learning a second language?

What is the 90/10 model?

How will homework be provided?

What resources are available for my child?

What happens if my child is not performing well in the program?

When my child is reclassified, will they continue the program?

What if my home school doesn't offer the program?

If I move to a different area of San Bernardino, does my child have to leave the program?

Learn More About Being Bilingual & Multilingual

Articles & Fact Sheets

Articles & Fact Sheets

What is the ELPAC?

Understanding the English Language Proficiency Assessments of California (ELPAC)

The ELPAC is a state-mandated test that measures a student’s skills in:
✅ Listening
✅ Speaking
✅ Reading
✅ Writing

Who Takes the ELPAC?

If a student’s home language is not English, as indicated on the Home Language Survey, they will take the Initial ELPAC within 30 days of enrollment.

What to Expect During the Assessment Process

1️⃣ Parent Notification

The district will notify parents/guardians in writing before the Initial ELPAC is given.

2️⃣ Assessment Administration

The student will be assessed in English language skills to determine their proficiency level.

3️⃣ Results & Placement

Within 30 days after enrollment, parents/guardians will receive a Student Score Report with their child’s results.
The report will show the child’s overall English proficiency level and progress in oral and written skills.

Understanding Your Child’s ELPAC Results

Students are placed into one of the following categories:
🟢 Initial Fluent English Proficient (IFEP) – Demonstrates strong English skills and does not require additional English language support.
🟡 Intermediate English Learner (I) – Developing English skills and will receive targeted language support.
🔴 Novice English Learner (N) – Beginning English learner who will receive structured language development assistance.

If you have any questions about your child’s ELPAC results or language support options, feel free to contact the school for more information!