School Information

Dual Immersion

Sherman Oaks Elementary is the only school within the Campbell School District that offers a dual language immersion program, English/Spanish K-6th curriculum. Students learn all curriculum in both languages.

In Kindergarten 90% of the instruction is delivered in Spanish and 10% of the instruction in English. Language distribution in first grade is: 80/20; second grade: 70:30; and third grade: 60/40. At every grade level, the amount of English instruction is increased until reaching a 50/50 language balance by fourth grade. Beginning in Kindergarten, all core subjects (reading, writing, math, etc.) are initially taught in Spanish 90% of the time, and English is gradually increased every year. There is no repetition in lessons, no translation of content and the language is learned and practiced through content, the Arts, Science and Music. Teachers deliver monolingual lessons and use sheltering strategies to help language learners at all levels.

Campbell School District, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) offers the 6th grade students at Sherman Oaks the opportunity to receive the “Biliteracy Attainment Award” during the 6th grade promotion ceremony, if your child meets the requirements set by the SCCOE. The “Biliteracy Attainment Award” supports the State Seal of Biliteracy and is presented to students who are becoming bilingual/biliterate at the 6th grade level. The criteria for 2020-21 include:

  1. Standardized testing (Spring 2019 CST ELA or local criteria)
  2. Spanish Proficiency Test - California Spanish Test
  3. Reclassification (when applicable)
  4. Completion of two portfolio requirements

FAQs

  1. What advantages are there for my child to be in a Dual Language Immersion program? Students develop full oral, reading, and writing proficiency in two languages. They will become bilingual, biliterate and bicultural. In addition to academic enrichment, students will also develop positive attitudes towards students of other languages and cultural backgrounds.
  2. How do students in Dual Language Immersion Programs compare academically to students in other types of educational programs? Students in a DLI typically outscore those enrolled in traditional academic programs. Both English language learners and native English speakers make significant progress in both languages. Both group of students perform at equal or superior levels in comparison to same-language peers in other educational programs.
  3. Will there be opportunities for parents to participate in their child’s education? Yes, it is extremely important for parents to participate and become involved in their child’s education. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom and familiarize themselves with the target language.
  4. How can I be involved in my child’s education if I do not speak the target language? Parents can share aspects of the home language and culture with their child, such as music, dance, literature, and food. In addition, parents can support their child’s emerging cross-cultural appreciation by exposing their children to books and movies in both languages, attending cultural festivals, and providing opportunities for authentic language exchanges.
  5. What is the typical experience for a child upon first entering the dual immersion program? When children first enter dual language classrooms there is an initial adjustment period. However a combination of fun activities, music and movement, singing, meaningful learning activities, and making new friendships, help children build linguistic bridges where they feel comfortable and competent in the dual immersion environment by the second or third month of Kindergarten.
  6. When can I expect my child to be fluent in both languages? In general it takes a full five years to develop full written and oral proficiency in the dual immersion classroom. Typically, children absorb the second language for the first two years, and their listening comprehension exceeds the ability to express the language orally. In most cases, kindergarten children begin reading in both languages and by the middle of second grade children are comfortable speaking in both languages. Children usually reach full oral and written fluency by fourth or fifth grade.
  7. When can students enter the Dual Immersion Program? Students are accepted in Kindergarten. The admission to other grade levels will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
  8. What is the ideal amount of time for students to remain in the program? It is highly recommended that families make at least a seven-year commitment to the program. Ideally, students will begin the program in Kindergarten and continue through 6th grade at Sherman Oaks Dual Immersion School.