Vision Statement
The vision of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD’s Dual Language Program is to develop students who possess strong bilingual, biliterate, academic, and cross-cultural competencies that enable them to contribute effectively to a global society.
Biliteracy in English and Spanish
CFBISD offers a Two-Way Dual Language Immersion Program to students who will enter Kindergarten in the fall of the upcoming school year. In existence since the fall of 2006, this program offers the opportunity to learn to read, write and speak in both English and Spanish. From Kindergarten through the eleventh grade, students in the Discover Dual Language Program develop strong bilingual and biliteracy skills and multicultural awareness.
If you would like for your future kindergartener to be part of Discover Dual Language, you may apply for admission into the program offered at McKamy, Stark, or Thompson Elementary Schools.
Overview
The Discover Dual Language Program is an asset for ALL students participating in this enrichment program. Since the program is very rigorous, we offer a pre-assessment process that will evaluate characteristics that will help your student experience academic success in the program.
The profile of a Discover Dual Language student is:
- Self-motivated and interested in learning.
- Loves to play with language
- Shows curiosity about other cultures
- Has strong language and reading support at home
Admission Process
Qualifying students are accepted into the program on a first come, first serve basis after all four components of the application process listed below are completed:Â
- Submit an Admission/Transfer Request at cfbisd.edu/admission-application
- Attend one of the mandated Discover Dual Language informational sessions offered around the school district
- Parent signs the 3-year commitment
- The student completes the language proficiency assessment and meets the requirement for qualification.
Special Note
Students must be 5 years old by September 1st of the enrolling year. Transportation is not offered for students attending the Discover Dual Language who live outside of the attendance zone of the school requested.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:Â Are the Information Meetings mandatory?
A:Â Yes, information meetings are mandatory. During those meetings, you will receive important information about our philosophy for bilingual education, program design, state testing, and expectations. In addition to the information, the meetings are a great way to meet other parents whose children might be eligible to participate in the program.
Q:Â How will I know if my student qualifies for the program?
A: Students qualify for the program depending on their language proficiency. If the student is a native English speaker, they have to score Fluent in English on the oral proficiency test administered by the district.
We will be in communication with parents to inform them about next steps and results of the oral proficiency test. Once all requirements are met, students will be eligible to participate in the program. Acceptance to school of choice will be determined on a first come, first serve basis. Parents will receive a letter confirming acceptance.
Q: My child attends a two way dual program in another district. Can they transfer into the dual language program in CFBISD?
A: If a student had previously attended a dual language program in another district, we will consider transfer depending on their level of language acquisition and reading level. We will consider each case on an individual basis.
Q: How is the two-way dual language program different from other bilingual programs?
A: The two way program differs from other bilingual programs in the make-up of the student body. Half of the students are native Spanish speakers and the other half are native English speaker. In that way, students have the opportunity to learn, not only form the teacher, but through the interactions with their peers.
For more information, contact
Maria Carolina Christiansen, M.Ed
Bilingual-ESL Department
972-968-6149 or at christiansenm@cfbisd.edu
You may also contact McKamy Elementary (972-968-2400), Stark Elementary (972-968-3300), or Thompson Elementary (972-968-3400) for additional information.