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Dual Language Program

 
Dual Language Enrichment Program

ALL Students Can Master 2 Languages
(Graduate Bilingual & Biliterate)

What is the PSJA Dual Language Program?

First started in 1995, our PSJA Dual Language Enrichment Program is an academic experience designed for students to develop stronger cognitive and academic skills through the development of on-level bilingualism and biliteracy.

Through a rigorous curriculum, students who participate in the program are academically instructed in English and Spanish, from Pre-Kinder to 12th grade. As a result, students have the opportunity to master both languages and enhance their education by developing the ability to fluently speak, read, write, and think critically in English and Spanish, which allows them to compete successfully in a global economy.

Currently there are more than 14,000 elementary, middle school, and high school students in the Program.

Why should my child participate?

Research has shown that students who receive Dual Language instruction can gain positive cognitive effects.

When students develop literacy in two languages, their brain develops differently, in a positive way. Students who can fluently speak, read and write in two languages display greater mental flexibility and a greater ability to think abstractly and form concepts.

Dual Language students also stand out academically to universities across the nation. Showing proficiency in two languages at a high academic level is an attractive characteristic for college admissions.  Since Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S. and third in the world, having on-level proficiency in Spanish also increases our student’s workforce value and marketability.

PSJA Dual Language graduates receive an additional seal on their diploma. They have the PSJA Seal of Biliteracy that officially certifies that the student is bilingual and bi-literate. Only one other school district in Texas offers a Biliteracy Seal to their students. Employers and education institutions recognize and validate PSJA’s Biliteracy Seal. 

Frequently Asked Questions

PSJA ISD Seal of Biliteracy
Certifies students as bilingual and biliterate. PSJA ISD is the only district in
the Rio Grande Valley to offer this Seal to graduates.

PSJA ISD selected to pilot new statewide Dual Language initiative 

As a pioneer of dual language education, PSJA ISD is proud to be among few school districts selected to be part of the first-ever statewide Dual Language initiative, Texas Effective Dual Language Framework, first launched during the 2021-2022 school year by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

The key goals of the new statewide dual language initiative include increasing effectiveness, increasing the number of dual language Pre-Kinder through 12th grade programs across the state, and reflecting on student outcomes of biliteracy, bilingualism, academic achievement in both languages and social cultural competence growth.

Promotional graphic featuring a student in a green polo holding a trophy, highlighting PSJA Memorial Early College High School dual language alum Jose Ochoa Escobedo earning the Seal of Biliteracy, with a quote and program link.

Dual Language Alum Jose Ochoa Escobedo Earned Seal of Biliteracy.

"Being part of the Dual Language Program has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. It taught me that being bilingual isn't just about speaking two languages-it's about thinking, feeling, and dreaming in two cultures. It gave me the confidence to move between worlds without losing myself in the process."



“In the RGV, most school districts offer dual language mostly up to middle school, but at PSJA ISD our program is available all the way through high school to make sure students continue to develop cognitively, linguistically, and academically in both languages. Another aspect of our program is the social cultural component to really help our students understand their roots, identity, language and history and why it’s important,” - PSJA Dual Language Director Olivia Martinez.

Promotional graphic of a student in a maroon polo holding a trophy, with text highlighting PSJA Early College High School dual language alum Alma Gutierrez earning the Seal of Biliteracy, including a quote and program link.

Dual Language Alum Alma Gutierrez Earned Seal of Biliteracy.

"Growing up and studying in a language different from the one / spoke at home was a difficult challenge. But the PSJA Dual Language Program gave me the support and foundation / needed to get ahead. It helped me strengthen and adopt the English language at a high academic level, without having to leave behind my native language, culture, and identity."

Promotional graphic showing a student in an orange polo holding a trophy, with text highlighting PSJA Early College High School dual language alum Francisco Amaro and recognition for earning the Seal of Biliteracy, along with a short quote and program link.

Dual Language Alum Francisco Amaro Earned Seal of Biliteracy.

"Through the PSJA Dual Language Program, I reconnected with my Hispanic culture and gained the skills to help others through language. I built lasting friendships and even met my best friend in one of my classes. Language helps us feel connected and reminds us that we share the same traditions and culture."

Contact us
 

Olivia Martinez, Director

Phone: (956) 354-2000
Fax: (956) 354-3031

Address: Napper Development Center Building "K" 903 N. Flag Street, Pharr