Windham Public Schools is a pioneer in Dual Language Education. Compañeros was the first Two-Way Dual Language Program in Connecticut, launched under the then Director of Bilingual Education, Mrs. Jean Romano. In the 2018-2019 school year, we additionally pioneered a One-Way Dual Language Program, Dos Ríos – the first of its kind in all of New England – to better service our English Language Learners.

For more information about Windham Public School’s Dual Language Programs, please visit Offered Programs for English Learners and Emergent Bilinguals. Please visit Compañeros Lottery for more information regarding that process. To the right please also find a sheet of frequently asked questions and brochures for both programs, as well as a PowerPoint presented at the Bilingual Family Dinner in June 2018.

Please remember to follow the Compañeros Dos Ríos Program on Facebook!

1. What is a Dual Language Program?
   Dual Language Programs are programs that promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and sociocultural competency through the instruction of academic content in two languages over the course of at least six years.

2. What are the goals of Dual Language Programs?

   • High Academic Achievement in both languages

   • Bilingualism and Biliteracy

   • Sociocultural Competence

3. What are the benefits of being bilingual?

   • Lower dropout rates for language minority students

   • Competitive advantage when applying for college and/or jobs

   • Greater ability to work in an increasingly global society

   • Better executive function (Brain Power)

   • Slower manifestation of Alzheimer's after onset of disease

   • Faster recovery after strokes

4. What are the non-negotiables for Dual Language Programs to succeed?

   • Separation of Languages

   • At least 50% of academic instruction in the target language (Spanish)

   • Commitment to the program on the part of district/ school/students/families (Kindergarten to 5th for Dos Ríos & Pre-Kindergarten to 8th for Compañeros)

5. What is the difference between One-Way and Two-Way Dual Language Programs?
   Two-Way Dual Language Programs are comprised of nearly 50% English dominant and 50% target language (Spanish) dominant students and result in both groups of students attaining the desired results. On the other hand, One-Way Dual Language Programs are comprised of only English Language Learners (as determined by testing) who have the target language (Spanish) as one of their home languages.

6. Why did WPS launch a One-Way Dual Language Program?
   Dual Language Programs are the only programs that fully close the achievement gap between English Language Learners and monolingual, English-speaking students.

7. How does my child get into a Dual Language Program?
   At Windham Public Schools, we have both a One-Way and a Two-Way Dual Language Program. Compañeros is our Pre-Kindergarten to 8th grade, Two-Way Dual Language Program housed at North Windham Elementary School and at Windham Middle School. Entrance is lottery-based.
   Our One-Way Dual Program, Dos Ríos, is available to K-4th grade, English Language Learners (as determined by testing) who have a home language of Spanish. (We will be expanding the program every year until we reach 5th grade!) Please call your home school if you have questions about your child’s eligibility.

8. My question is not listed here…
   We would love to hear from you. If you have questions, advice, or simply want to learn more about Dual Language, please contact us.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Bilingual Education, and World Languages

Offered Programs for English Learners and Emergent Bilinguals

Dual Language Programs (Compañeros and Dos Ríos)

Compañeros Lottery

Department Newsletter

Resources

Seal of Biliteracy

Documents