STUDENTS BECOME BILINGUAL , BI-LITERATE , MULTICULTURAL
Olayinka Ojo , a parent at Erma
Nash Elementary , emphasized the importance of enrolling her children in the Two-Way Dual Language Program at Mansfield ISD .
“ As someone who speaks three languages ,” she said , “ we understand the importance of being multilingual .”
Currently , both her children attend dual language schools . The program supports native Spanish and native English speakers in both languages through cooperative and collaborative methods . It is currently offered at D . P . Morris and Erma Nash Elementarys . Parents interested in the program must commit to having their child in a Two-Way Dual Language Program for the entirety of their elementary school years .
“ This program gives your children the opportunity not just to learn bilingualism and biculturalism , but also how to engage with everyone in the world ,” Ojo said .
The program goes beyond offering students additional Spanish or English lessons . Other subjects such as math , science , and social studies are taught in Spanish . Classes are conducted entirely in English for half of the day and entirely in Spanish for the other half .
For Rosa Maria Berdeja , a parent at D . P . Morris Elementary , this program presented an excellent opportunity for her son to learn about his family ’ s culture and allows him to communicate with family .
“ The dual language program here at D . P . Morris is an excellent program . It has helped my son tremendously ,” she said . “ I just get so excited whenever he throws out words in Spanish around the house , and he does it so well .”
Research has demonstrated that acquiring a second language increases cognitive functions and enhances both verbal and thinking abilities .
The Two-Way Dual Language Program is one of the many initiatives that Mansfield ISD employs to prepare students to be life , college and career ready .
The program application window opens in the fall for the 2025-26 school year . For more information , visit MansfieldISD . org / Choice .
Students practice both English and Spanish with their classmates .
“ This program gives your children the opportunity , not just to learn bilingualism and biculturalism but also how to engage with everyone in the world .“
Olayinka Ojo Parent at Erma Nash Elementary
Students participate in class and engage with one another to become bilingual .
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