Dos Alas | DeLaveaga Elementary

Dos Alas Oveview

Dos Alas: A bilingual K-5 Education

The DeLaveaga Dos Alas program is built on dual-immersion, in which students learn in English & Spanish to achieve a mastery of both languages by the time they leave for Middle School. This bilingual, bicultural education promotes cognitive flexibility and a truly unique student experience designed to cultivate an broad perspective and a love of learning.

Who is eligible?

Everyone! Native Spanish, English, or bilingual speakers.

Are there additional benefits of two way language instruction?

Developing a second language boosts language skills in general. Studies show that students in two way immersion programs outperform peers in seventh grade classes on standardized tests in math, science, and social studies (Collier Thomas Study, 1996).

Bilingualism also promotes critical and creative thinking, boosting language skills that will help each meet high school graduation and college entrance requirements. As we move toward a global economy, individuals who are bilingual will become globally competitive in the job market as well.

90/10 Instructional Model

Grade

Kinder

Spanish

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

English

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Is there a different curriculum for two-way programs?

No. Instruction is aligned with the California State Standards in the same way that traditional, English only classrooms are instructed. The difference is the language used to deliver content, not the content itself. The Dos Alas program is especially committed to helping students develop an appreciation of both cultures and supplements instruction with materials that boosts bilcluturalism.

What are the Dos Alas program’s goals?

Each student will reach language proficiency (speaking, writing, and listening) in Spanish and English.
Each student will achieve academic excellence in Spanish and English.
Each student will develop positive self-esteem, cultural awareness and, cultural sensitivity.

Where can I find out more about two-way immersion instructional models?

http://www.bilingualeducation.org/

http://www.carla.umn.edu/index.html

http://www.cal.org/

http://www.clmer.csulb.edu/clmer/

http://www.crede.org/

Applying to Dos Alas

Dos Alas Requirements:

1. Your child must be 5 years old by September 1, 2024

2. Your home school must be one of the following: Bay View, DeLaveaga, Gault, or Westlake.

Open Enrollment: FEBRUARY 18 to MARCH 8 until 3 pm 2024

To Enroll in Dos Alas:

1. Contact Program Coordinator

You can reach Soledad Carvajal via email (preferred!) at soledadcarvajal@sccs.net

or by phone at 831-429-3807 x 56306

2. Attend an Informational Night

January 23, 6:00 pm -7:00 pm, in person (DeLaveaga Library)
February 1, 6:00 pm -7:00 pm, in person (DeLaveaga Library)
February 13, 6:00 pm -7:00 pm, in person (DeLaveaga Library)

3. Bring These Documents to School of Residence

Copy of immunization card Immunizations for School Requirement
Verification of age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport Proof of residency (PG&E or water bill)

4. Register Online

Complete the online enrollment process found here: https://sccs.net/enroll for the 2024-25 school year if your student is new to Santa Cruz City Schools.

5. Fill out an Intradistrict Transfer Request

Once your school of residence has approved your registration, download and fill out this IDT Intradistrict Transfer Request for 2024-25 and list TWI (Two Way Immersion) as your desired option.

6. Bring IDT & Letter of Verification to your School of Residence

Once you have completed your IDT, Soledad Carvajal can provide you with a Letter of Verification. When both of these documents are ready, bring your IDT and Letter of Verification to the school you are originally districted for.

7. Spanish-speaking (or Bilingual) students receive Basic Language Assessment

If your child speaks Spanish, Soledad Carvajal will assess your student with a basic oral assessment.

8. The Lottery

Following the completion of these steps, your student will be entered into the lottery with all other applicants. Families will receive a notification by mail in April 2024 with results of the lottery.

* NOTE: We only accept students in the Dual Immersion Program after 1st grade if they transfer from another English and Spanish Immersion Program and are assessed at their proficiency level in both languages - depending on availability.