DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM

Canby School District provides Dual Language Immersion (DLI) education for students in grades K-12. K-6 students are served at our DLI Magnet School, Trost Elementary. 7-8 students are served at Baker Prairie Middle School. 9-12 students are served at Canby High School.

Mission Statement

In DLI, we welcome all our students to the pathway to become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally competent community members. Our Value Statements

  • Build self-confidence and identity
  • Collaborate in a community of students, staff, and families
  • Foster curiosity and risk-taking in learning
  • Promote critical thinking and perseverance
  • Read, write, listen, and speak in Spanish and English
  • Respond to diversity with empathy and respect

Program Goals

  • Bilingualism - Develop high levels of proficiency in two languages
  • Biliteracy - Perform at or above grade level in academic areas in two languages
  • Multiculturalism - Demonstrate positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors

Eligibility

  • All students entering kindergarten are welcome, regardless of their home language
  • If there is a wait list, a lottery will be held for admittance into the program for kindergarten; the goal is to balance the number of English-speakers and Spanish-speakers in each class
  • After January of first grade, students may enter the DLI program if they show Spanish proficiency and there is space in the program

Program Model

  • Trost Elementary

K-6 80/20 DLI Program

  • Baker Prairie Middle School

Science & Humanities in Spanish

  • Canby High School

Language & Literature in Spanish and AP Spanish Language & Culture

Contacts
  • Trost Elementary School

503-263-7130

  • Baker Prairie Middle School

503-263-7170

  • Canby High School

503-263-7200

  • Danielle Reynolds-Young

Coordinator of Teaching & Learning danielle.reynolds@canby.k12.or.us 503-266-0017

  • Janet Diaz

Parent Leader/Liaison dzjanet3@gmail.com 503-863-4003

Program History
Timeline graphic of history of program
K-6 Instructional Minutes
Data Chart of K-6 Instruction Minutes in English and Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DLI Program right for my family? Commitment to DLI is important for your child to be successful. Learning in two languages is hard, but rewarding. This is a long-term commitment for you and your family.

Will my student learn English in this program? Yes! Research shows that all students, regardless of what language they speak at home, do as well or better in English than other students in monolingual programs. You may have to be patient. Learning a second language takes time.

How do I support my student if I do not speak English or Spanish? You do not have to be bilingual to support your students. Read with them every day in your native language. Talk with your children about what they are learning. Connect with other families in DLI and explore our community in order to expose your children to their second language outside of school.

Seal of Biliteracy

Students can earn the Seal of Biliteracy when they graduate. The Seal is a national award, recognized by colleges and universities across the country. It also helps employers seek out bilingual employees who are proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to Spanish. Students must meet regular graduation requirements in order to be eligible for the Seal.