Why Dual Language?
Welcome to Herrera’s Dual Language Program where students’ participate in an innovative, tuition free program and converse in both Spanish and English. Students focus on language acquisition and vocabulary development, through a program that fosters a biliterate, bilingual and bicultural learning environment and community. Students benefit greatly when they learn a second language regardless of age. At Herrera, we believe that it is never too early or too late to start learning a second language. Becoming bilingual and learning multiple languages is valuable for our students because it enables them to become more successful in the global world. Learning a second language leads to more job opportunities as students launch their careers in a competitive and global world.
How does Dual Language work at Herrera?
Herrera follows a 50/50 Two-Way bilingual model. A two-way bilingual model strives to enroll 50/50 population, instruct 50% of curriculum and schedule 50% of time in both languages. What does this mean?
- 50% population– 50% of the students speak English and 50% of students are native Spanish speakers. We believe that students learn from each other and that English-speaking students are models for those learning English while the Spanish speakers are models for our Spanish learners.
- 50% Curriculum– Curriculum is taught in both languages. Every subject is taught in both languages. However, one misunderstanding is that the skills are taught twice. This is not the case. Research shows that once a skill or concept has been taught in one language, and learned, that skill or concept will be transferred to the second language.
- 50% Time-At Herrer,a classes are taught half-day in one language and the second half of the day in the second language. We believe that this model works best for our students.