Dual Immersion at Gilroy HIgh is dual-language education program in which native English speakers and native Spanish speakers are integrated for academic content instruction through both English and Spanish. Instruction is at least 50% in Spanish. Students begin the program as kindergarteners in elementary school and can continue through 12th grade.
The DI program strives to promote bilingualism and bi-literacy, grade-level academic achievement, and positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors in all students.
Application process: Students interested in the program must apply in the spring of their eighth-grade year.
Grade and course requirements: To complete the DI program students must pass, with a C- or better, five of the following courses:
Spanish for Heritage Speakers II
DI Biology
DI World History
AP Spanish Language
AP Spanish Literature
Students will be exited from the Dual Immersion Program when they no longer meet program requirements or by petitioning program administration.
Participation in dual specialized programs: DI works in tandem with other specialized programs at Gilroy High: the Agricultural Program/FFA and Biomedical Science Academy (BSA). Students can be given accommodations to fulfill dual program requirements. This allows more students to participate in multiple programs without sacrificing the overall program rigor and expectations. Contact your academic coordinator for more information.
NOTE:DI program completion does not automatically qualify a student for the Seal of Biliteracy.
The State Seal of Biliteracy, marked by a gold seal on the diploma or transcript, recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English.
Eligibility Criteria for a Student Whose Primary Language is English
Each of three academic requirements shall be fulfilled:
Students complete ELA requirements for graduation with GPA of 2.0 or above.
Students pass the CAASPP in ELA at or above “standard met.”
Students demonstrate proficiency in one or more languages other than English through one of these methods:
Pass a foreign language Advanced Placement (AP) exam, including American Sign Language, with a score of three or higher.
Pass an International Baccalaureate (IB) examination with a score of four or higher.
Successfully complete a four-year course of study in a foreign language with an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, and demonstrate oral proficiency in the language comparable to that required to pass an AP or IB examination.
Pass the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) II foreign language exam with a score of 600 or higher.
If the primary language of a pupil is other than English, the student shall also meet the following academic requirements: attain the level demonstrating English language proficiency on the ELPAC; and meet the academic requirements 1, 2, and 3 as state above.
