Bilingual/ESL – Conroe ISD

Conroe ISD Bilingual/ESL Program Mission:

To enhance and accelerate the natural transition of language acquisition from the first language to the second language (English) while ensuring long-term linguistic, affective, and cognitive development.

Parent Information

Dual Language Programs

One-Way Dual Language Program

A One Way program is a form of dual language learning in which either native speakers of the second language make up all of the students enrolled and instruction takes place in two languages.

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Two-Way Dual Language Program

Two-way immersion (TWI) is a distinctive form of dual language education in which balanced numbers of native English speakers and native speakers of the partner language are integrated for instruction so that both groups of students serve in the role of language model and language learner at different times.

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One-Way Dual Language Program

One way Dual Language Brochure- English

One Way Dual Language Brochure- Spanish

Students whose parents indicate a language other than English are assessed for English learner services in Conroe ISD in accordance with state requirements 89.1225(f). Only students who qualify as English Learners through the LPAC process are eligible to participate in Conroe ISD’s One-way Dual Language Program. We do offer a Two-Way Spanish Immersion where students who are not identified as English leaners may be eligible to participate.

The One-way Dual Language Program is Conroe ISD is a 90/10 model that focuses on primary language instruction in attempts to strengthen their native language as students learn English.

PreKindergarten = 90% Spanish / 10% English
Kindergarten = 80% Spanish / 20% English
First Grade = 70% Spanish / 30% English
Second Grade = 60% Spanish / 40% English
Third & Fourth Grade = 50% Spanish / 50% English
Fifth & Sixth Grade = 30% Spanish / 70% English

Q: How well do students learn a second language in Dual Language and how long should my child be in the program?
A: On average, studies show that students reach full proficiency in a second language within 4-6 years.
Q: How well do students learn the core subjects if they are taught in another language?
A: On average, students learn core subjects in either language as well or better than their peers who are not in Dual Language programs.
Q: Will my child be confused with two languages?
A: Children typically do have difficulty keeping languages separate.
Q: Do the parents need to be bilingual to enroll and help with homework?
A: No, we ask that you speak with your child in your first language, and we’ll help you provide support in the second language.

Two-Way Dual Language Program

Two-Way Dual Language Brochure – English

Two-Way Dual Language Brochure – Spanish

The DLTW program will be housed at Anderson, Creighton, Deretchin, and Lamar Elementary and is available to students entering Kindergarten. Spanish dominant students who qualify for Bilingual services and are entering Kindergarten, will automatically be eligible to apply.

English dominant students will apply for acceptance into the program based on available space. Parents will be informed of acceptance as soon as possible, and the remaining students will be
placed on a waiting list. Should space become available for English dominant students in the fall semester during the Kindergarten year, parents will be notified of their child’s placement into the program.

Q: How well do students learn a second language in Dual Language and how long should my child be in the
program?
A: On average, studies show that students reach full proficiency in a second language within 4-6 years.
Q: How well do students learn the core subjects if they are taught in another language?
A: On average, students learn core subjects in either language as well or better than their peers who are not in Dual Language programs.
Q: Will my child be confused with two languages?
A: Children typically do have difficulty keeping languages separate but as they spend more time in the program their grasp of both languages becomes more defined.
Q: Do the parents need to be bilingual to enroll and help with homework?
A: No, we ask that you speak with your child in your first language, and we’ll help you provide support in the second language.

It is important to note that since bilingual proficiency is a long-term commitment and space for the program is limited, it requires a commitment by the parents and students. As part of the enrollment process, parents will be asked to sign a contract committing to the program for 5 years. Due to the immersion nature of Spanish language instruction, native English dominant students can only be admitted into the DLTW program in the fall of their Kindergarten year. The DLTW program is the bilingual education program for Spanish-speaking students who are learning English as their second language, therefore they will be accepted at any grade level.