Dual Language

Bilingualism, Bi-literacy and Sociocultural Competence

Students are learning content via two languages, they will be able to speak, write, read, listen and use each of the two program languages as a support for the other. Differences in culture and language are seen as opportunities to connect.

Ensuring High Academic Achievement for Each Student in Both Program Languages.

This is extremely important because students in dual language programs will excel in mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, physical education, music and art, in both languages of instruction.

Multicultural Awareness

Students in dual language programs should be able to see the similarities and differences in each other, but rather than identifying the differences as obstacles, they should be viewed as opportunities to connect. 

The Dual Language program in the MSD of Lawrence Township follows Indiana Academic Standards and is nationally recognized for its high levels of academic achievement. It is the longest standing and only K-12 dual language model in the state.

• Classroom comprised of approximately 50% native English speakers and 50% native Spanish speakers.
• 80% Spanish and 20% English instruction in Kindergarten through 1st grade
• 70% Spanish and 30% English instruction in 2nd grade
• 60% Spanish and 40% English instruction in 3rd grade
• 50% Spanish and 50% English instruction in 4th through 6th grade
• Spanish content focused on Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics
• Intentional time to build the target language
• Research based enrichment model of instruction 

Locations

• EL Mary Castle Dual Language 
• Forest Glen Spanish Immersion 
• Harrison Hill Dual Language (1st grade only)
• Indian Creek Dual Language (1st grade only)
• Mary Castle Bilingual High Ability
• Oaklandon Bilingual High Ability
• Skiles Test Spanish Immersion 
• Sunnyside Spanish Immersion 
• Belzer Middle School Dual Language
• Fall Creek Valley Dual Language 
• Lawrence North Dual Language

• Classroom comprised of Native Spanish speakers
• 80% Spanish and 20% English instruction in Kindergarten through 1st grade
• 70% Spanish and 30% English instruction in 2nd grade
• 60% Spanish and 40% English instruction in 3rd grade
• 50% Spanish and 50% English instruction in 4th through 6th grade
• Spanish content focused on Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics
• Intentional time to build the target language
• Research based enrichment model of instruction for second language learners

This program model is offered at Sunnyside, Mary Castle, Indian Creek, and Harrison Hill Elementary Schools.  A similar model is also offered in kindergarten classrooms at the Early Learning Center (ELC) Brook Park and Winding Ridge. Students at these school move on to attend the school to which they are boundaried unless they elect to go through the CAP process. 

• Harrison Hill Elementary
• Indian Creek Elementary
• Mary Castle Elementary
• Sunnyside Elementary
• Early Learning Center at Brook Park
• Early Learning Center at Winding Ridge

In 2016, Indiana passed legislation that will recognize students for their achievement in becoming bilingual and bi-literate.  Beginning in 2017, students who meet specific criteria can graduate from high school with the “Certificate of Multilingual Proficiency” which will designate on the student's transcript that they have attained a high level of proficiency, sufficient for meaningful use in college and a career, in one or more languages in addition to English.  Students must pass the English graduating exam and the language proficiency exam to qualify.

All Lawrence Township Immersion schools are members of the International Spanish Academies (ISAs) which are educational centers known for their academic prestige, encompassing all grade levels from Pre K through 12^th grade.  The schools all maintain a collaborative agreement with the Ministry of Education of Spain which provides teachers with access to professional development and resources necessary for Spanish Immersion programming. For more information about the International Spanish Academies, click below.

International spanish academies. 

Heritage Language classes are offered to students who have an oral Spanish language capacity and are interested in enriching their language development to become readers and writers of Spanish.  The goal of the course is to develop students to be bilingual and bi-literate at high levels of proficiency.  This course is offered at Belzer Middle School, Fall Creek Valley Middle School, Lawrence Central High School and Lawrence North High School.