Our dual language model
Participate Learning partners with school organizations to build dual language programs that create an authentic and immersive language learning experience for students. The primary goals of these programs are to:
- Teach students to speak, listen, read, and write in both English and Spanish or Mandarin Chinese
- Enhance cognitive skills that support academic achievement in all content areas
- Prepare students to be leaders in our culturally diverse and interconnected world
Why our model?
Our dual language model, which has been successfully implemented since the 2007-2008 school year, mirrors the seven strands from Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education by the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL).
Our support model, adapted from the Center for Applied Linguistics’ Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education, focuses support in alignment with CAL’s seven strands for successful programs.
Participate Learning provides curriculum guides for the development of second language literacy as well as resources and training for the integration of language in content areas.
Dual language instruction integrates second language literacy into state content-area standards in a way that is age appropriate and encourages participation in the target language.
Assessment and accountability
Participate Learning dual language students complete state required content assessments and participate in target language proficiency assessments. Teachers collect evidence of formative proficiency development across all areas of second language development.
Staff quality and professional development
Participate Learning supports expert dual language teachers in both English and Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. Program managers partner with school leaders to provide performance monitoring, coaching, and access to professional development through online communities of practice.
Family and community
We partner with schools to provide tailored marketing materials to communities (both in print and digitally) about dual language education.
Support and resources
Our program managers and partnerships directors offer support to school and district partners to advocate for their programs. Our team offers ongoing consultative support and virtually connects our network to help each program thrive.