Getting Started with Dual Language Programs
Dual Language Programs is part five of the MakeTimeforMom’s How to LAUSD:The Complete Guide to LAUSD School Selection. This six-part series is an opportunity to learn about the public school options available in Los Angeles in one centralized location.
Be sure to use the How to LAUSD: Glossary for any new school-related terminology.
As a first step, it’s important to know which programs fall under the Multilingual Multicultural Program:
Multilingual Multicultural Program Explained
Specifically, this fifth post covers all the Multilingual Multicultural Programs (MMP) offered by LA Unified.
Multilingual Multicultural Program (MMP) is in essence an umbrella term that covers the following two sub-programs:
l. The International Newcomer Academy (INA)
ll. Dual Language Education (DLE) Programs.
Here is all the information you need about both these programs:
International Newcomer Academy (INA)
The International Newcomer Academy (INA) is a program intended for English Learners born outside the US and who have been enrolled in a US school for 3 years or less. If this program does not apply to you, skip ahead to Dual Language Education Programs.
The INA’s goal is to help students acquire English while also meeting the graduation/A-G requirements needed for The University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), and for future employment.
This program began its operation during the pandemic and is currently offered at these three locations –
- Belmont High School – apply through e-Choices
- Helen Bernstein High School – apply through e-Choices
- Van Nuys High School – apply directly at the school
For information on how to apply for an INA program online visit the e-Choices MMP Home Page.
Dual Language Education Programs: Overview
Dual Language Programs offer instruction in all grade level content in both English and a second language, beginning in kindergarten and running all the way through 12th grade.
LAUSD offers more than 200 Dual Language Programs in select elementary, middle school, and high schools with more added each year. These programs are open to students from both LA-Unified and to those outside its boundaries.
All DLE programs fall under one of three types:
The goal of all three of these programs is to increase the number of students who become bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate in both languages with an understanding of the importance of these skills in a global society.
Dual Language Programs: Benefits
I. Provides the Gift of Dual Education
At the elementary level, students who attend DLE programs spend a minimum of 50% of each instructional day in the target language. However, the ratio of English to Target language varies from program to program and can reach up to 10:90 ratio of English to Target Language.
This Gift comes with the following benefits:
The Cognitive Benefits of Being Bilingual have been researched in-depth and point to the fact that bilingualism can lead to changes in neurological processing and structure, improve learning, and protect against age-related decline.
These cognitive benefits translate into Benefits for Bilingual Education as well. Research has shown that many students in DLE programs develop improved literacy, enhanced executive function, and better communication skills. In addition, these students have a stronger foundation for learning additional languages in the future, an advantage with mandatory language requirements in college, and the employment benefits of bilingualism.
ll. Benefit from local school amenities and programs
While DLE programs might be limited to specific classrooms, these classrooms are part of a larger school network. As such, students enjoy access to the same funding and programming the school has to offer. As a result, acceptance to these programs can at times be an effective way to gain access to a highly desirable local school.
III. Multiple programs offered
With over 200 TWI, OWI, and WLI programs operating in LA Unified (each offering a different English to Target language ratio), parents and caregivers are more likely to find a program that suits each applicant’s specific needs.
IV. Multiple applications allowed
Students can apply for up to three DLE programs during the E-choices On-Time application period (in their order of preference) and be accepted to between one and three programs simultaneously. In addition, more applications can be made during the late-enrollment period.
V. More diverse classrooms
In general, US public schools are becoming more segregated. However, due to the unique nature of dual-language programs, some can offer a more diverse alternative. For example, programs such as Two-Way Immersion Programs bring together an even split of English speakers and English learners. As a result, these classes are often more ethnically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse.
VI. Early learning opportunities
Some DLE programs offer Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs. This allows students to enjoy this specialized programming from a younger age, unlike SAS programs for example.
For more about these early programs and for a list of schools offering them, visit DLE programs at Early Childhood Education Division.
Still have questions? Contact the Early Childhood Education Division at (213) 241-0415.
Dual Language Programs: Drawbacks
I. May compound learning difficulties
Due to the fact that DLE programs start as early as four, students who attend them are required to master the fundamentals of their primary language, math, and basic social competencies while also learning a new Target language.
For some, this might result in temporary lower grades while for others it may persist for as long as these students attend the program.
In addition, these programs have not always been proven as beneficial for students with specific learning challenges, disabilities, or neurological differences. Dyslexia, Bilingualism, and Learning a Second Language and Bilingualism and Children With Attention Problems are two articles that address the potential difficulties and/or limited benefits these programs might provide to specific student populations.
II. Educational gaps may affect school transfers
In addition, due to the nature of this program (which prioritizes Target language in early years), students may struggle if they decide to leave a DLE program and enter a traditional school. One example is students who were admitted to private school but are required to repeat a grade due to lacking math skills.
III. Program staffing is a challenge
Staff in DLE programs are required to be bilingual, in addition to the qualifications and experience expected from all professional teachers. The combination of the growth in popularity of these programs and general staffing shortages in LAUSD means that some programs will be left with vacancies while others will resort to hiring less qualified teachers to fill their staffing gaps.
IV. No transportation is provided
No transportation is provided unless it’s required by a student’s IEP or Under the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Dual Language programs eligibility
All L.A. Unified students are eligible to apply to DEL programs and no intra-district permit is required. Students living outside L.A. Unified are also eligible to apply but must need to request an incoming Inter-District permit if accepted.
DLE programs follow these general eligibility guidelines:
TK-1st eligibility: Students may be accepted into these programs at any time during these grades. Acceptance will depend on program availability, enrollment priority, and lottery outcomes.
2nd-12th Grade eligibility: Students in these grades must demonstrate literacy in the target language comparable to students already in the program in order to be considered. Acceptance will depend on program availability, enrollment priority, and lottery outcomes.
Program eligibility will be determined by the school and coordinated directly with parents or caregivers after the initial application period.
Application Process
Here are the four steps for applying to a DLE Program:
*Contact schools you applied to during the Late Application to discuss their specific process for determining eligibility.
Additional Information
Eligibility
Due to the fact that so many different programs fall under the MMP umbrella term, it’s worth reading more about eligibility for each one on the MMP Homepage.
MMP Program List
Visit e-Choices for an alphabetical list of MMP Programs
By now, you should have a good understanding of how and why to apply to most public school options in Los Angeles. There is however one outlier that is important to research and fully understand – Magnet Programs. Take a deep dive into these specialized programs in How to LAUSD, Part 6: Magnet Programs Demystified.
Questions or corrections? e-mail them to maketimeformomblog@gmail.com
All the information shared here was accurate, to the best of my knowledge, at the time of writing this guide. However, information gets updated frequently and guidelines change. The MakeTimeForMom is not responsible for actions taken as a result of information shared in this guide. Please visit LAUSD e-choices for the most up-to-date information available for school selection in the Los Angeles Unified School District.