Dual Language (DL) is an educational model that provides a rigorous academic program in supporting students to be highly proficient in both English and Spanish.  

At the high school level, the target language (Spanish) is used for the majority of classroom instructional time in DL classes; in non-DL classes, the partner language (English) is used for the majority of the instructional time.

In DL classes, teachers also use best practice by utilizing cross-linguistic connections, by strategically bridging and consistently connecting Spanish to English.   

Program Goals:

At Beaverton High School the goals of the Dual Language Program align with the three pillars of dual language education established by the Center for Applied Linguistics and the Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education. 

• Bilingualism and Biliteracy: Students develop high levels of proficiency in both listening, speaking, reading, and writing in two languages. 
• High Academic Achievement: Students master grade-level state academic standards and curriculum in both languages of instruction. 
• Sociocultural Competence: Students develop positive cross-cultural attitudes, strong identities, and the ability to view differences as opportunities for connection. 

BHS DL Pathway: 

When considering a student's full class schedule, the goal is to spend half the day immersed in the target language (Spanish) and half the day in English.  To complete the Dual Language Pathway at BHS, students must enroll in the following courses:

BHS Dual Language Program Staff: 

Language Arts DL:                        Griff Tovey

Math DL:                                           Moises Curiel, Norma Gonzáles, and Alexis Ramírez

Science DL:                                      Maria Carrillo and Giovany Rosales

World History DL:                           Jeannette Valentín Alonso

Spanish Lit and Comp III:             Liza Rosas-Bustos     

AP Spanish:                                       Jeannette Valentín Alonso

DL Application:    English          Español

For more DL enrollment information, please visit the BSD website. 

As a Dual Language student, you are potentially eligible to qualify and receive the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy. The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy is an official award that recognizes proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in two or more languages, one of the languages being English.  The Oregon Seal of Biliteracy is indicated on the high school transcript and is a statement of accomplishment for college admissions and future employers.  If you are interested in receiving the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy, please read the following very carefully as the Oregon Department of Education has clear requirements for qualification.  

In order to be awarded the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy, you must:

1. Complete all state and district high school graduation requirements.

2. Meet the required standards for English proficiency through one of assessments below :

            A. OSAS (11th grade):  score of 3 or higher in Reading, Writing,                                                                 Speaking/Listening domains

            B. ELPA:  score of 4 or higher in Reading, Writing, Speaking and                                                                 Listening domains within the last two years

            C. AP Language and Composition: score of 4 or higher

            D. AP Literature and Composition:  score of 3 or higher

 3.  Meet the required standards for Spanish proficiency through one of tests below:

                 A. AP Spanish Language and Culture: score of 4 or higher 

                B. STAMP:  Tested in 8th grade and scored a 6 or higher in all domains 

In addition to the tests listed above, a portfolio of evidence that includes work samples in all four domains (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) can be used to show Intermediate High or higher proficiency as defined by the ACTFL guidelines. 

Lastly, it is important to note that the Seal of Biliteracy is awarded in two phases, Spring (phase 1) and Fall (phase 2).  If you do not meet ALL of the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy in the Spring, you will not officially be awarded until the following Fall. The AP Spanish and AP Lit/Lang tests take place in May, after the Spring phase, so it will be critical for you to save any graded assignments that represent Intermediate High or higher proficiency in Spanish and/or English as evidence, if necessary. 

Please connect with Raquel Morán Huerta (Assistant Principal)  or Ms. Valentín Alonso (DL Coordinator) if you have any questions!