Our program is a two way immersion program designed to emphasize challenging standards in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies while enriching our student’s development in both their first language and a second language. In a two-way immersion classroom, the ratio of native English speakers to native Spanish speakers is at least 35:65 in either direction. Two-way immersion is specifically designed to meet the needs of English Language Learners.
First launched as a smaller program in 2001, our district began a process in 2012 to fully transition Garfield and Lincoln Elementary Schools to operate fully as DLI schools. Beginning with the 2016-17 school year, all classrooms in these schools are part of our dual language immersion program.
With the DLI program we are meeting the needs of a growing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in our district. Most of these students are native Spanish speakers and the DLI programs at Garfield and Lincoln are the most effective learning environments for these students. Learning to read, write, and speak in both languages makes it easier for ELLs to learn English while still learning the skills they need to progress to the next grade level.
Common DLI Terms
Native English Speaker
A student whose native language is English because that was the first language he/she was taught as a child; the family typically speaks English at home
Native Spanish Speaker
A student whose native language is Spanish because that was the first language he/she was taught as a child; the family typically speaks Spanish at home
English Language Learner
Anyone who is learning English because the language he/she first learned as a child was not English and he/she is not yet fully proficient in English
Partner Language
The language, other than English, used for instruction in a DLI program. Currently in Corvallis, the partner language used in DLI programs is Spanish. Spanish is the most common second language in the United States and the fourth most common spoken language in the world. Also, the Hispanic population is the fastest growing demographic in our nation and in our local community.