Dual Language Immersion Programs

Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) offers a Dual Language Immersion Program.  DLI is a form of education where students are taught literacy and content in two languages (Spanish and English).  Dual Language Immersion Programs promote bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement and multicultural awareness for all students.  

The goals of the program are:

• Bilingualism/Biliteracy - Developing high levels of language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, writing and metalinguistic awareness) in their primary language and second language
• Grade-Level Academic Achievement - High quality instruction, rigorous curriculum in Spanish and English and high expectations for academic achievement 
• Sociocultural Competence - Developing self-identity (cultural identity), viewing differences as opportunities not obstacles (intercultural connections) and using what we learned to advocate for equity (advocacy, empowerment and social justice 

The Dual Language Immersion program goals are directly aligned to the district’s goal of meeting the expectations outlined in California Department of Education’s Global California 2030 Report, 2018, which highlights our state as a leader in global culture. This report promotes utilizing our state’s rich linguistic resources to increase the number of students who graduate proficient in two or more languages and attain the state’s Seal of Biliteracy.

Dual Language Immersion blends two language education models: An immersion program for English only speakers and a bilingual maintenance model for English learners. Students from two language groups attend classes together, learning from one another and supporting each other's second language acquisition. Both groups of students develop linguistic and academic competence in two languages; their native language and one more. Schools in our district currently offering this program are: