Two-Way Spanish/English Immersion Program
Two-Way Bilingual Literacy - Program Overview
The Kindergarten through 5th grade Immersion Program is located at Hatch Elementary School. Hatch also has a traditional
program on the same campus where traditional and Immersion classes integrate in various arenas. 6th grade Immersion
students continue at Cunha Intermediate where they continue their Spanish education in literature, grammar, and social
studies. In High School students are able to succeed in advanced Spanish.
Duration of Program
Classroom Composition
This is a K-12 program, however, a minimum of a six year commitment to the
two way program is recommended to ensure success in Language
Development.
The most desirable student ratio in a Two-Way classroom is 50% English
speakers and 50% Spanish speakers, and ratios are kept as close as possible
to the optimum.
Eligibility
Role of Staff
English speakers may enter at the Kindergarten or first grade levels. Spanish
speakers may enter at K, first or second grade. Bilingual students may be
admitted at any grade level depending on their level of literacy in Spanish and
their oral English proficiency. Skills will be assessed by Immersion Staff.
The Spanish speaking Immersion Program instructors are credentialed
bilingual teachers with native-like fluency in Spanish. Resource teachers and
Amity Scholars also provide support.
Two-Way Bilingual Immersion
Recognizing the importance of global students and the need to teach skills to
prepare for a global economy, the Two-Way Bilingual Immersion program
provides an immersion model for English-speaking students and a bilingual
model for Spanish-speaking students. It is an “additive bilingual” program,
meaning that all students learn in both languages.
Emphasis on Spanish instruction in the early grades allows English-speakers
ample exposure to their target language-Spanish. Spanish-speakers learn their
second language-English without compromising their first language, and with
the benefit of primary language support as they learn necessary skills.
Spanish and English instruction is always kept separate, allowing for
maximized concentration of both languages. Heterogeneous groupings during
the Spanish and English portions of the day provide students with opportunities
to assist and learn from one another, allowing second language acquisition to
occur naturally.
Students truly learn from one another, developing high levels of confidence and
self-esteem through their study of two languages. Learning comes alive as the
beauty of both languages is explored through literature and song. The goals for
the students are to:
Kindergarten through 5th Grades
Kindergarten: *90% of the instruction is in Spanish. All subjects taught in
Spanish; 30 minutes of English oral language development five times a week.
First Grade: *80% of the instruction is in Spanish. All subjects taught in
Spanish; one hour of English language development (which includes Science)
five times a week.
Second Grade: *70% of the instruction is in Spanish. Most subjects taught in
Spanish; one and one-half hour of English which includes Oral Language
Development, Science & some Social Studies activities. A formal introduction
of English Reading and Language Arts begins at the second semester.
Third Grade: *60% of instruction is in Spanish. Two hours of English
Language Arts which includes Reading and Writing.
Fourth Grade: *33% of instruction is in Spanish. English Language Arts is
leveled, students are grouped and work with appropriate teacher.
Fifth Grade: *33% of instruction is in Spanish. English Language Arts is
leveled. Students are grouped and work with appropriate teacher. A 5th grade
student exits the program with the ability to read and comprehend appropriate
text and to converse in both languages.
* The percentages above are the model for the Immersion Program. The actual
percentages may change based on student instructional needs.
** English Language Development is taught during a school wide time with students
regrouped based on English level for focused instruction.

Develop fluency and literacy in two languages: Spanish and English.

Achieve proficiency in all academic subjects, meeting or exceeding State
and district guidelines.

Cultivate an understanding and appreciation of other cultures, and
develop positive attitudes toward fellow students, their families and their
community.
Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students participate in an Immersion class
during a zero period each day. Students will be placed in Immersion classes
based on an analysis of the students academic record.

Prepare for Advanced Placement Spanish Test.
* An exiting 8th grade student will have the ability to read a novel in Spanish and be
familiar with conventions of Spanish grammar. Additionally an 8th grade student will have
an understanding of a variety of cultures and be able to converse fluently in English and
Spanish.
Language Separation
Instructional delivery is monolingual at all times. Teachers do not use
translation for comprehension. Instead, a multitude of second language
acquisition techniques make language and content understandable for all
students.
Experiential Curriculum
Teachers establish an environment where students must use the target
language to meet real needs. This approach develops language skills through
hands-on classroom experiences. Students more readily attach vocabulary to
an activity in a hands-on or experiential setting.
6th, 7th & 8th Grades
9th through 12th Grades
For students that have completed the Elementary and Junior High Spanish
Immersion programs, Spanish placement with be determined by examination.
Emphasis is in grammar and formal language. Immersion students will have
the opportunity to participate in Spanish IV, A.P. and Spanish V*.
* These are college level courses. Students who pass the A.P. exams will receive college
credit for them.
Exiting students will be fluent speakers, readers and writers of both English
and Spanish. Students will be able to fluently use accents, and all tenses
including present, past, perfect, future and subjunctive.
Revised for 2013-2014 school year
Cabrillo Unified School District • www.cabrillo.k12.ca.us • Hatch Elementary School • Cunha Intermediate School • Half Moon Bay High School