The goal of bilingual programs is to help your student learn English while developing literacy and content skills in Spanish at the same time, leading to proficiency in both languages.

Many DPS schools offer a bilingual program especially designed for students that speak Spanish, called TNLI (Transitional Native Language Instruction). In TNLI programs, subjects are taught in both Spanish and English. As your student learns more English, the amount of instruction in Spanish decreases. Teachers in TNLI programs have been specially trained to help students learn English while they learn other subjects, and are proficient in Spanish. In addition, your student will receive a daily 45 minute period dedicated to building a strong foundation to learn how to speak and write in English, called English Language Development.

Some DPS schools offer a dual language/immersion program, which maintains at least 50% of instruction in Spanish throughout the elementary grades, and at least two courses in Spanish in secondary schools. These schools provide instruction in Spanish and English throughout a student’s educational career. Teachers in dual language programs have been specially trained to help students learn Spanish and English. One DPS dual language/immersion charter school offers Mandarin in addition to Spanish. And one dual language/immersion charter school offers French.

Multilingual Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

What decisions will I make at registration?

What if my student has registered at a DPS school in previous years? Do I need to complete new MLE forms?

What do I need to bring to registration?

My student went to school in another country. Will my student be in the same grade if I register them at DPS school?

MLE Services

What are my choices for a language development program for my student?

What is a bilingual program?

What will my student learn in an ESL/ELA-E program?

What is the Seal of Biliteracy?

How can I help my student succeed?

How can I become involved in my student’s school?

MLL Identification

What does it mean for my student’s education to be identified as an MLL?

What if my student is misidentified?

As a parent or guardian, how can I be part of the Identification conversation?

If my student moves to a different school, will they need to go through the identification process again in order to receive MLE program services?

I received a letter from Multilingual Education stating that my student has been identified as a Multilingual Learner. What does this mean?

What can I do when my student is placed in a classroom that is not correct for them?

ACCESS Test

Why does my student need to take the ACCESS test annually?

Will my student be negatively impacted if they don’t take the ACCESS test?

Redesignation and Exit from Program

What does it mean when my student is redesignated?

My student has been redesignated and moved into a different classroom. Is there any way that they can stay with the same teacher until the end of the school year?

Why is my student being monitored even after they have met English proficiency?

Why was my student re-entered into MLE services?

What does Exit mean for my student?