Dual Language Program

• Bilingualism
• Biliteracy
• Cross-Cultural Abilities
• High Academic Achievement
• More favorable attitudes toward being bilingual and toward students who are different from themselves
• High levels of satisfaction and enjoyment in dual language classes
• Stronger cultural identity and high self-esteem
• Engagement with instruction is higher
• Overall interest in school is higher
• Overall attendance is better
• Fewer behavioral referrals
• Lower cost of education
• Learning in two languages develops inactivated brain areas and increases creativity and problem-solving skills 

1. Live in our area
2. Learning Community Spots - apply on OPS website
   • Kindergarten- Registration end of January
   • Kindergarten- Lottery in May for the available seats

• Students with a sibling in the program are guaranteed a spot if the application is turned in on time and the older sibling is noted on the application, if not, they are put on the wait list.
• If applications are turned in late, the child will automatically be added to the wait list in the order they are received.
• For students in grades 1-5, students are added from the wait list only if a current Dual Language student moves out of the program.

Wait List considerations:

• Language dominance (goal to maintain a balance of English/Spanish learners)
• Rare instances are that students jump ahead on the wait list: Newcomers (grades 3-5) or a Dual Language student transferring from another Dual Language school.

Expectations of the Dual Language Program:

• Continue in the Dual Language Program through high school
• Good attendance
• Read with your students for at least 15 minutes each evening in English and/or Spanish, even if by just listening to them read or asking questions.
• Volunteer during the school year (The target number of volunteer hours per family per year is 20)

Things to keep in mind:

• Children progress at their own rate.
• It can take up to four years for students to develop strong academic vocabulary skills in their second language.
• Research shows that students in Dual Language outperform their peers; a bilingual brain enhances creativity & problem solving skills.

What to expect:

• Sample schedule - A.M. English - Reading & Math, P.M. Spanish - Writing & Science/Social Studies
• Students develop all four language domains in both languages; speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Dual Language students are held to equal expectations in English and Spanish.
• Strict language separation is maintained, including homework.

Purpose

The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges a high student achieving a high level of proficiency in English and at least one additional language.

What

The Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy is presented as a certificate, and a seal that can be attached to a student's diploma and listed on the student's transcript.

Why

The ability to communicate in multiple languages is an asset when applying for a job or for college admission.

How

Submit an application online through the Nebraska Department of Education - all parts of the application can be completed online.

The Result

There is a Gold Seal and a Silver Seal - awarded according to the results of identified proficiency exams.

5 Steps to Apply

1. Check English language proficiency.
2. Check language proficiency other than English.
3. Apply through the Nebraska Department of Education.
4. Wait for NDE World Language to verify materials. 
5. Get the Seal and be marked on your transcript.