Klein ISD Dual Language Pathway Grows by 700 Percent
Klein ISD’s Two-Way Dual Language Pathway is a biliteracy program that integrates native Spanish speakers and native English speakers through literacy in the core areas of Math, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
The program was initially piloted at Klenk and Zwink elementary schools with 85 students and has grown over the past three years to 675 students, an increase of 700 percent. The total projected students in the program for the 2021-2022 school year is 920.
Currently, Klein ISD serves multilingual learners in seven dual-language campuses ranging from PreK through 2nd grade, and we plan to continue growing the program each subsequent year. These campuses include Bernshausen, Brill, Fox, Kaiser, Klenk, Northampton, and Zwink elementary schools.
Beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through 5th grade, all core subjects are taught 50 percent in Spanish and 50 percent in English. Klenk Elementary is also home to the Vietnamese Dual Language Pathway. These research based programs are known for developing academic, linguistic, and cultural strengths for students and families. Klein ISD is one of the few programs in the state and in the nation that serves the Vietnamese language.
“The Dual Language program is another example of the innovative and accelerated learning experiences we provide for our students in Klein ISD,” said Dr. Jenny McGown, Klein ISD Superintendent. I love visiting our dual-language classrooms and seeing our native English and Spanish speakers becoming truly bilingual and biliterate at such a young age. What a gift our incredible dual language teachers are giving our children for their future purpose and success!”
The program’s mission is to develop bilingual, biliterate, and socioculturally competent learners by challenging them with rigorous learning to prepare them for their purpose in our global society. Bilingual and biliterate mean that students can read and write in English. A second language, such as Spanish or Vietnamese, can connect the two languages at high cognitive levels.
The benefits of Dual Language include:
- Promoting cognitive development in the areas of creativity and higher-order thinking
- Developing high academic levels in a new language while maintaining high levels of achievement in their native language
- Positively impact writing, comprehension, and problem-solving skills
- Promoting an appreciation for other cultures and languages
- Eligibility for students to receive High School Language Other Than English (LOTE) credit once they complete the dual language immersion program as a 5th grader. This will put students on an accelerated pathway to advanced academics as a biliterate, bilingual learner prior to entering 6th grade.
For more information about the program and the enrollment process, visit https://www.kleinisd.net/dual_language.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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