Dual Language
The Dual Language Program in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns provides a high-quality bilingual education while meeting the needs of English Language Learners, as required by New York State regulations (CR Part 154). Our district is committed to aligning with state guidelines while ensuring that all students benefit from a rigorous and enriching bilingual experience.
This program allows English Language Learners to develop English proficiency while continuing to strengthen their native Spanish skills. At the same time, it provides English-dominant students with the opportunity to become fluent in Spanish.
Spanning kindergarten through fifth grade, our dual language model integrates instruction in both Spanish and English, ensuring that all students receive a well-rounded education while building bilingualism and biliteracy.
Our program is built on the three pillars of dual language education, as detailed below.
Our Team
Megan Purvis
ENL Teacher, ENL Department Chair
Three Pillars
Pillar One: Bilingualism and Biliteracy
The dual language program is what we call an additive program, where students learn a second language while continuing to develop their first language. Students are supported with developing academic achievement and proficiency in Spanish and English across all content areas. This means that they will not only be able to communicate (speak and listen) in two languages, but read and write in them too!
Pillar Two: Academic Excellence in Both Program Languages
Students in the dual language program are exposed to the same general education standards as their peers who are not in the dual language program but in Spanish and English. Thus, they also have the same high expectations for grade-level academic achievement. Research has shown that students who receive consistent dual language instruction perform as well or better on English achievement tests than their peers in mainstream English-only classrooms.
Pillar Three: Sociocultural Competency/Critical Consciousness
The dual language program is what we call an additive program, where students learn a second language while continuing to develop their first language. Students are supported with developing academic achievement and proficiency in Spanish and English across all content areas. This means that they will not only be able to communicate (speak and listen) in two languages, but read and write in them too!
Apply Here!
