CISD Programs
Dual Language
Two Way Dual Language Application for 2025-2026 Kindergarten is now closed.
TWO-WAY dual language Application
The Two Way Dual Language Application will be available at our Parent Information Meeting.
February 25, 2025 at 6 PM
CISD Administration Building
505 N. Ridgeway Dr.
Cleburne, TX 76033
Please scroll down to find out more about our various dual language programs and resources.
Vision
The vision of the Cleburne Independent School District (CISD) Dual Language Program is to cultivate and promote the growth and academic success of bilingual, biliterate, and multicultural students.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the CISD Dual Language program to produce critical thinkers who value and preserve language, as well as possess a rich linguistic repertoire in English and Spanish, throughout their educational careers and beyond.
The dual language program will enable students to become competent in all language domains in both languages through the development of sociocultural competence and academic skills. The program will integrate research-based second language acquisition strategies in all content areas for every student and will ensure that every child’s native language, cultural background and interests are respected and applied in the learning process through the application of engaging lessons. Stakeholders will truly and clearly understand the dual language program, curriculum, and take an active role in making it grow.
DefinitionDual language immersion is an educational approach in which students learn two languages in an instructional setting that integrates subject content presented in English and another language.
~ 19 TAC Chapter 89.1203
One Way Dual Language
Goals
The primary goals of our Dual Language bilingual program model are the following:
- The development of fluency and literacy in English and in an additional language for all students with special attention given to ELs participating in the program.
- The promotion of bilingualism, biliteracy, cross-cultural awareness, and high academic achievement
CISD currently offers a One-Way Dual Language program model to Emergent Bilingual students in grades PK-4th at Cooke and Santa Fe Elementary Schools as well as at Smith Intermediate in 5th and 6th.
Following 6th grade, students who select Spanish as an elective in 7th grade will take a placement exam. Dual Language students will be placed according to their results in either Advanced Spanish II or Advanced Spanish III in 7th grade. In 8th grade, both Advanced Spanish III and AP Spanish IV are available. Students may continue to select advanced Spanish courses at CHS to achieve high levels of Spanish proficiency and the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.
Two Way Dual Language
*Two Way Dual Language Application for 2025-2026 Kindergarten is now closed.
Find out more about the Two-Way Dual Language by watching this video.
The 2025-2026 Two-Way Dual Language application will open at our parent night on February 25th, 2025. Following the informational parent meeting, the application will be posted HERE!
Applications close on March 14, 2025. There will be a lottery at noon on April 9 for those who entered their application prior to March 14. A zoom link will be sent to those who cannot attend in person. Any applications submitted after the 14th will be added to the waitlist. Thank you for your interest in our programs!
(Applications are for incoming Kindergarten students only.)
What is Two-Way Dual Language?
- Dual Language is both an additive bilingual program for Spanish-speaking students and a foreign language immersion program for English-speaking students. In Two-Way classrooms, a combination of native Spanish speakers and native English speakers are taught together in an effort to develop full bilingualism and bi-literacy for both groups of students.
- Implementation began in August 2018 at Irving Elementary. We currently have Two-Way Dual Language in Kindergarten - 4th grade at Irving Elementary. Upon transition to Smith Intermediate the one-way program and two-way program are integrated in our 5th and 6th grade dual language classrooms.
- Following 6th grade, students who select Spanish as an elective in 7th grade will take a placement exam. Dual Language students will be placed, according to their results, in either Advanced Spanish II or Advanced Spanish III in 7th grade. In 8th grade, both Advanced Spanish III and AP Spanish IV are available. Students may continue to select advanced Spanish courses at CHS to achieve high levels of Spanish proficiency and the Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation.
Why should I enroll my child?
- Research has shown students who are bilingual perform at high academic levels.
- Global/cultural awareness & biliteracy are research-based 21st-century skills.
New York Times Article: The Benefits of Bilingualism
How do I enroll? Who can enroll?
- Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open on Feb. 25, 2025.
- Applications for incoming Kindergarten students will open after our Two-Way Parent Meeting on Feb. 25, 2025. The application will be posted on this website after the parent meeting.
- There is an application process and lottery system. Applications are due no later than March 14, 2025. If necessary, a lottery will be held on April 9, 2025, at noon in the CISD Board Room (505 N. Ridgeway, Cleburne, TX, 76033). Parents are welcome to attend or watch the lottery on the zoom link emailed to participating families.
- For further questions, please see the Frequently Asked Questions document below.
Questions? Contact Christy Burton Director of World Languages, cburton@c-isd.com
Seal of Biliteracy
2021 Seal of Biliteracy Graduates
In May of 2020, Cleburne ISD awarded the first group of graduates with the Seal of Biliteracy. This national award is the end goal of all of our programs in the World Languages Department.
Eligibility requirements:
- Successful completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average (GPA) of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100,
- Passed a World Language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher, (AP4 or AP5)
For Non-English Learners:
-
Passed English 1 and English 2 EOCs
For English Learners:
-
Met exit criteria for a bilingual or English as a second language (ESL) program
For more information contact:
Christy Burton, Director of World Languages, at cburton@c-isd.com
Glenna Pollock, Director of Guidance & Counseling, at gpollock@c-isd.com
ESL
Mission and VisionThe goal of the ESL Program in CISD is for Emergent Bilinguals to achieve progress towards mastery of comprehension, speaking, reading, and composition of the English language in academic and social environments. English acquisition is developed while also developing high levels of cognitive agility and its practical applications.
The CISD ESL Program shall emphasize the mastery of English language skills, mathematics, science, and social studies as an integral part of the academic goals for all students to enable limited English proficient students to participate equitably in all school settings.
Students are served at all CISD campuses PK-12 through content-based instruction with the integrated use of second language acquisition instructional practices. ESL certified support teachers are also available at every campus to assist in the classroom instruction and support student learning.
Students are identified and place in courses according to ~19 TAC Chapter 89.1225 and the campus LPAC team.
L.O.T.E.
Eight World Languages teachers in CISD deliver curriculum and instruction in French and Spanish.
Our highlights
Seal of Biliteracy
2021 Seal of Biliteracy Graduates
In May of 2020, Cleburne ISD awarded the first group of graduates with the Seal of Biliteracy. This national award is the end goal of all of our programs in the World Languages Department.
Eligibility requirements:
- Successful completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average (GPA) of the equivalent of 80 on a scale of 100,
- Passed a World Language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher, (AP4 or AP5)
For Non-English Learners:
-
Passed English 1 and English 2 EOCs
For English Learners:
-
Met exit criteria for a bilingual or English as a second language (ESL) program
For more information contact:
Christy Burton, Director of World Languages, at cburton@c-isd.com
Glenna Pollock, Director of Guidance & Counseling, at gpollock@c-isd.com