Language Acquisition Programs in Vista Unified

Elementary Grades (K-5):

VUSD currently offers the following two Language Acquisition Programs for English Learners in elementary grades (K-5):

• Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program: Provides nearly all classroom instruction in English, with curriculum and strategies designed to support ELs. Students are offered comprehensive ELD, using the state adopted academic content and ELD standards and ELD through Integrated and Designated ELD. VUSD makes SEI available in all schools.

• Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) Program: Dual Language is currently only offered at the Elementary level and provides integrated language learning and academic instruction for native speakers of English and native speakers of another language.  In VUSD the other target language is Spanish. The DLI program goals include high academic achievement; first and second language proficiency; and cross-cultural understanding. The DLI Program includes these three pillars: 1. Bilingualism and Biliteracy  2. Grade-level Academic Achievement; and 3.Cross-Cultural Competence. Offered  at Grapevine Elementary, Alamosa Park and Hannalei Elementary. 

Middle School (6th-8th):

VUSD currently offers the following two language acquisiton programs for grades 6-8.

• Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program: A language acquisition program for ELs in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, but with curriculum and a presentation designed for pupils who are learning English. Every VUSD middle school provides an SEI program with designated ELD and integrated ELD, providing access to grade level academic subject matter content.
• Heritage Language Program: Language acquisition program for ELs  that provides instruction to pupils utilizing English and a pupil’s native language for literacy and academic instruction, enabling non-English speakers or students who have weak literacy skills in their native language to achieve language proficiency and meet academic achievement goals. 

NOTE: Dual Language Immersion will be offered in 2024-25. 

High School (9th-12th):

• Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program: A language acquisition program for ELs in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, but with curriculum and a presentation designed for pupils who are learning English. Every VUSD middle school provides an SEI program with designated ELD and integrated ELD, providing access to grade level academic subject matter content.
• Heritage Language Program (if available): Language acquisition program for ELs that provides instruction to pupils utilizing English and a pupil’s native language for literacy and academic instruction, enabling non-English speakers or students who have weak literacy skills in their native language to achieve language proficiency and meet academic achievement goals.