Spanish Dual Language Pathway

In dual language programs, a language other than English (LOTE) is used as the vehicle for instruction. In Minneapolis Public Schools, students in our dual language programs spend majority of their instruction in Hmong (Hmong dual language programs) or Spanish (Spanish dual language programs). They learn to read, write, think mathematically, artistically, and musically while in these languages. As the grade levels increase from kindergarten to fifth grade, more time with English as the vehicle of instruction is added. In middle school and high school, students continue in their dual language programs by taking three core classes in Hmong or Spanish until they graduate. 

While in high school, students who have taken part in our dual language programs are qualified to take the Bilingual Seal, an assessment that examines language proficiency in a language other than English. If students reach a specific language proficiency level, they are eligible to receive free college semester credits. For more information, please read this resource from the Minnesota Department of Education. 

Because our program vision is, "Bilingual learners leading the way for an equitable future," we work to ensure that students have:

1. Exposure and instruction in both languages of the program daily.
2. Bilingual classroom teachers, and when possible, bilingual special educators, English Language teachers and specialists.
3. When possible, bilingual materials in both languages. (This is more challenging in Hmong than in Spanish, leading to different language policies between our Hmong and Spanish dual language programs as outlined below.)
4. Equity-centered curriculum that honors student identity through a curriculum redesign process that happened in 2020.
5. A committed community to support them on their bilingual journey, including staff, caregivers, and community stakeholders.

The language allocation guidelines, or the language policy of dual language programs, define what a dual language program is. A language allocation guideline answers the question, "What subject is taught in which language for how long?" The language allocation guideline is the map for students' bilingualism and biliteracy, two of the largest goals of any dual language program.

It is common to hear language allocation guidelines defined as 90-10, 80-20, or 50-50. What this means is that 90%, 80%, or 50% of instruction happens in a language other than English (LOTE) beginning in kindergarten, and the other percentage is instruction in English. All programs in fifth grade have a 50-50 split of instruction in both languages. 

In Minneapolis Public Schools, our programs have a language allocation guideline that starts at 80-20, and increases through the years towards being 50-50 by 3rd grade. Learn more about the specific programs below.

All MPS dual language schools are magnet schools, which means they accept students from throughout our city and do not have a specific attendance area like a community school. 

This means that if you live in Minneapolis, you can receive transportation to a magnet school regardless of where you live within the city.

Understanding the school request and enrollment process is important. Please visit ExploreMPS.org for more information on the school request process, and learn more about the request process for magnet schools.

When Can My Child Enroll?

• Kindergarten and Pre-K (High Five): You can enroll at any time.
• 1st Grade: Students can join before the end of the first semester.
• After 1st Grade (Grades 1.5–12): Schools will do an interview and assessments in Spanish to confirm this program is the right fit for your child.
   

How Does Placement Work?

To make sure every student is set up for success:

• Spanish Dual Language programs are District magnet programs, and students can be placed as long as space is available. School requests for the coming school year go through the lottery process, and students may also be placed throughout the school year when openings arise.
• For students who are past the first semester of first grade, the school will administer an assessment to confirm that  a Dual Language program is the right fit. They will consider the child’s home language, prior experience with Spanish, and academic background to learn more about their readiness.
• Final decisions are made with care and in partnership with families.

We’re here to help! For more information, contact the school directly or Student Enrollment:

• 1250 W Broadway, Mpls
• 612-668-1840
• SPS.Department@mpls.k12.mn.us
• ExploreMPS.org

*Our students are learning language in all classrooms; this is the core language of instruction in this classroom. 

*Co-taught with the English Learner teacher for English Language Development (ELD)
**Due to a shift in standards, both freshmen and sophomores are taking US History; it was formerly a grade 10 requirement but has shifted to grade 9. Therefore, for this year only, both grade levels are taking U.S. History.