DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Unified is looking forward to finishing off the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year with students in person. With that Dixon Unified is even more excited about the following school year as they are introducing implementation of Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI) at Gretchen Higgins Elementary for incoming Kindergarten students in the 2022-2023 school year. 

There are three primary goals with the implementation of TWBI. Those goals are: (1) High Academic Achievement; (2) Bilingualism and Biliteracy; (3) Cross-Cultural Understanding. These goals coincide with Dixon Unified’s Mission to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and career and success in a global society. TWBI is a highly effective language acquisition model and improves academic achievement outcomes for all student groups. TWBI is the most effective language acquisition model for English Learners and will enhance our already robust English Learner program at the elementary level.

You might be wondering why is Dixon Unified interested in TWBI? Research has found the benefits are twofold. The instruction can be one of the most effective ways for English learners to develop their language and academic skills, but it also helps native English speakers and English learners improve their communication skills, empathy, and cultural awareness. Additionally, California has launched a statewide effort to expand access to dual-language programming. There’s even a national effort underway to get more states and districts to adopt the Seal of Biliteracy, a credential displayed on transcripts and diplomas that recognizes high school graduates who are proficient in two or more languages. Dixon Unified has most recently graduated 20 students with the Seal of Biliteracy. 

Incoming Kindergarten students’ school day will include periods of instruction during which students and teachers use only one language, with no translation or language mixing allowed. Both English language learners and native English speakers do work in both languages. English language learners and native English speakers are together for most content instruction. Dixon Unified knows that the success of TWBI programs is largely based on the commitment by both the District and the families. The District commits to fund, staff, and support the program in grades TK-12. While families commit to maintaining enrollment in the program at MINIMUM for six years (grades K -5).

When students begin the program, 90% of their day will be in the target language, in this case Spanish, with 10% in English.  As students progress in grade levels, the language balance shifts, and by 5th grade 50% of instruction is in Spanish, and 50% is in English.  In order to ensure there are plenty of language models for both native Spanish and English speakers, ideally one-third of the Kindergarten cohort is English only, one-third Spanish only, and one-third students who have language skills in both English and Spanish. 

The vision for Gretchen Higgins school is that it transitions to a full TWBI program over the course of 6 years.  This means that beginning with next year’s Kindergarteners, classes at Gretchen Higgins will be exclusively TWBI classrooms; as that cohort progresses through the grades, the current regular program will be phased out. Current Gretchen Higgins’ students will be able to finish their elementary schooling enrolled at Gretchen Higgins in the regular program; however, families who reside in the current Gretchen Higgins’ boundary will be reassigned to either the Anderson or Tremont boundary beginning with next year’s Kindergartners. The TWBI program will be a choice for ALL Dixon Unified School District students, regardless of their school boundary. Please note: we do anticipate high demand for this program. If interest outpaces available spots in the class, Dixon Unified School District will employ a lottery to select classes.

Dixon Unified will have a presentation regarding TWBI Programming beginning next school year for families interested in participating. Those families with a student that will be 5 years old for the 2022-2023 school year are encouraged to attend the meeting at 5:30 pm on Thursday, January 13th in the Gretchen Higgins Elementary Multipurpose Room at 1525 Pembroke Way, Dixon, CA.

“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” —Frank Smith, psycholinguist