Multilingual Programs & ELD TK-12
DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
The goal of our Dual Language Immersion programs is to help students become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish. This program is offered to any family interested in this learning model, with well-prepared teachers, standards-aligned curriculum in English and Spanish, and a path that will lead them to graduate in 12th grade with the State of California's Seal of Biliteracy.
Vista Unified currently offered DLI programs at:
Alamosa Park Elementary - Grades TK-4 : Spanish & English 90/10 One Way
Grapevine Elementary - Grades TK-5 : Spanish & English 50/50 Two Way
Hannalei Elementary - Grades TK-1 : Spanish & English 50/50 Two Way
The VUSD Dual Language Immersion Programs are build upon three pillars or program goals:
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.
District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) of Vista Unified is a community-oriented group that works with the Vista Unified School District to improve education for students who are learning English. The committee meets regularly to discuss and recommend solutions to the challenges facing students who are learning English. DELAC has significantly contributed to improving education for English learners in the Vista Unified School District.
Presidente: Ana Cruz (11/22-10/24)
Vicepresidente: Pamela Ellgen (11/2023 -10/2025)
Parlamentario: Ruth Diaz (11/2023 -10/2025)
Secretario: Fatima Estrada(11/2023 -10/2025)
Secretaria: Esmeralda Chora (11/22 - 10/24)
MIDDLE SCHOOL DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PATHWAY
For the 2024-25 school year, Madison Middle School will open a Dual Language Immersion track for incoming 6th grade students. Math, Social Studies and Advisory will be taught fully in Spanish, whereas the rest of the subjects will be taught in English. In addition, Roosevelt Middle School will open a similar tack in 2025-26 for their incoming students. We are excited about the expansion of the program to middle school as we continue our journey towards the Seal of Biliteracy.
During the second semester of the 2023-24 school year, the district will host update forums to provide additional information, address concerns, and ensure all families are well informed about the implementation process.
PROJECT GLAD
- Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) is an instructional model for TK-12 that supports the vision of the California English Learner Roadmap policy by strengthening educational programs and practices for English learners.
- Project GLAD supports the implementation of integrated English-language development (ELD) and designated ELD.
- This model provides full and meaningful access to a 21st century education that results in attaining high levels of language proficiency and mastery of grade level standards.
- Project is implemented in our schools in Vista Unified.
Translation and Interpretation Services
Translation and Interpretation (T&I) Services Unit strives to connect with families in VUSD’s programs through meaningful and appropriate language access. Our focus is to ensure language access with district-wide communications as well as district-level meetings, and we also provide some level of support to school sites.
Connect with us at 760-724-6783 at the Multilingual Center for more information.
ENGLISH LEARNER MASTER PLAN
- The English Learner Master Plan of Vista Unified is designed to ensure that all English learners have equitable access to a high-quality education.
- The plan focuses on strategies to close the achievement gap for English learners and ensure that they have the opportunity to reach their academic potential.
- The plan also emphasizes the creation of strong partnerships between school staff, families, and community members to support English learners in their linguistic and academic development.
- By implementing the English Learner Master Plan, Vista Unified is committed to providing all English learners with the support and resources they need to reach their full potential. HERE
Contact Information
Phone Number: (760) 724-6783
Director: Rafael Olavide #92111
Email: rafaelolavide@vistausd.org
Secretary: Enrique Villalobos #92141
Email: enriquevillalobos@vistausd.org
Office Assistant: Carmen Juarez Vega
Email: carmenjuarez-vega@vistausd.org
Translation & Interpretation Unit:
-
Marcela Ramos Ext. 92109
-
Maria Fernandez Ext. 92144
-
Alejandra Hoffman (SpEd) Ext. 92911
-
Leticia Robles (SpEd) Ext. 92150
Bilingual Testing Assistants:
-
Gloria Burkett Ext. 92146
-
Viviana Diaz Ext. 92145
NEWCOMERS AND REFUGEE SUPPORT
VUSD offers a comprehensive system of support for our newly arrived, foreign born newcomer students. To learn more, please review our Tk-5 Newcomer Support Plan.
Our newcomers in grades 6-12 receive strategic support in their native language as well as Language Acquisition courses tailored to their linguistic and emotional needs. Secondary 6-12 Plan
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD)
INTEGRATED ELD
- Integrated ELD and Designated ELD are two different approaches that are used to support students who are learning English.
- Integrated ELD involves the integration of English language development in all areas of the curriculum, including reading, writing, science, and math.
- Teachers from all subjects work together to support students in their language development, using effective English teaching strategies in the content they are teaching.
DESIGNATED ELD
- Designated ELD is a more focused approach that specifically focuses on English language development.
- Students receive specific and targeted instruction in English language development, with the goal of improving their ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English.
- Designated ELD teachers are specially trained to work with English language learners and use effective teaching strategies to help students develop their language proficiency.