¡Bienvenidos!
Ward’s Dual Language Program
Downey Unified’s G.L.A.D. dual language immersion program is now available at Ward Elementary School. The Dual-Immersion Program aims to promote bilingualism and bi-literacy, academic achievement, and multicultural competence for all students. Our program teaches children to communicate naturally in two languages to become literate in both English and Spanish. Throughout the program, students will learn how to speak, read, and write in the new language while growing their knowledge of their first language.
How It Works
Our Dual-Language Immersion Program is a 90/10 model where beginning Kindergarteners receive 90% of instruction in Spanish and 10% of instruction in English. The percentage of instruction in English increases in each subsequent grade until reaching a 50/50 model in 4th grade. Students from both language groups attend class together, learn from each other and receive academic instruction in both languages.
Instructional Approach
CGI Math
Balanced Literacy
- Read Aloud
- Shared Reading
- Guided Reading
- Phonics
Program Goals
High Academic Achievement
Throughout the program, one of our main focuses continues to be an academic success. Students will meet or exceed grade-level Rigorous standards in both English and the target language, which is Spanish.
Bilingualism & Biliteracy
Our goal is for our students to become balanced bilinguals. They will be able to speak fluently and read and write proficiently in two languages.
Sociocultural Competence
Students learn and appreciate cultures other than their own and learn and appreciate the culture of the target language by our Diversity Units of Study.