Studies show that the benefits of reading include increased vocabulary, improved critical thinking and stronger empathic skills. The goal of the DLI Literacy program is to lift students’ reading ability and proficiency in both English and Spanish, which will have a far-reaching impact on their ability to succeed in school and in life.
The Dual Language Immersion Program
In the fall of 2020, during the height of the pandemic and school closures, the Goleta Union School District (GUSD) launched the pilot DLI program at El Camino Elementary School. Students apply and attend the DLI program from across all school sites in the District. Offering a Dual Language Immersion program directly at the school site is a proven, viable solution to help students learn proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Transforming the Library
Building a base of bilingual and Spanish library books for primary school Dual Language immersion is essential to maximize the academic, intellectual, and personal growth of the students not only in the DLI program, but across the community. The American Library Association recommends that an effective library program contain a minimum of 15 books per student in the library. It is expected that measurable reading improvement will also position students for success in all other core academic subjects. The initial aim will be to provide 15 books per student at their grade level, with the overall goal of helping each student achieve grade-level or above reading proficiency as they age through the DLI program.
El Camino is focused on transforming the library into a bilingual media center and building a base of bilingual and Spanish books to support this vital program in the schools. El Camino hired a bilingual library media specialist in 2019 to focus on this work. In order to meet the needs of students who are mastering two languages, the library will build a Spanish library that is relevant, engaging, diverse and authentic in language and cultural representation. All parents have been encouraged to create library accounts so they can read with their children at home.
Outcomes
This literacy initiative will examine the optimal supports for DLI learners per each grade level, most effective interventions, cultural relevance of the materials, and engagement from both students enrolled in the DLI program as well as students and families across the school sites. Following this evaluation process monitored by the librarians and classroom teachers, these resources may be shared across more GUSD school sites in subsequent years.
Challenges
Conversations with Goleta Valley library and families in the community reveal the challenge of accessibility to Spanish language books. They are not as accessible as English books and cost more to purchase. Teachers encourage parents to use school libraries as a resource and they have been taking advantage of the local Spanish book collection. GEF is actively partnering with the Goleta Valley library to increase outreach and awareness for young readers.
$5000 would go to support our author’s reading series, providing students and families the opportunity to experience local authors and take signed copies of the books home with them.
Thank you to our 2021-2022 literacy partners!
