SECTION 89.1227. Minimum Requirements for Dual Language Immersion Program Model

(a) A dual language immersion (DLI) program model, one-way or two-way, shall address all curriculum requirements specified in Chapter 74, Subchapter A, of this title (relating to Required Curriculum) to include foundation and enrichment areas in both English and the program's partner language, the English language proficiency standards, and college and career readiness standards.

(b) A DLI program model shall be a full-time program of academic instruction in the program's partner language and English for all program participants, emphasizing the participation of identified emergent bilingual students. Access to the DLI program shall not be restricted based on race, creed, color, religious affiliation, age, or disability.

(c) A DLI program model shall provide equitable, authentic resources in English and the program's partner language to ensure development of bilingualism and biliteracy.

(d) The district shall develop a language allocation plan that ensures a minimum of 50% of content area instructional time is provided in the program's partner language for the duration of the program.

(e) Program implementation shall:

(1) begin at prekindergarten, Kindergarten, or Grade 1, as applicable, according to the district's earliest grade level provided;

(2) continue without interruption incrementally through the elementary grades;

(3) consider expansion to middle school and high school whenever possible; and

(4) include participation of former emergent bilingual students who have reclassified as English proficient for the duration of the program.

(f) A DLI program model shall be developmentally appropriate and based on current best practices identified in research. Particularly, emergent bilingual students shall not be restricted access to the DLI program model, one-way or two-way, based on any linguistic or academic achievement measures in the program's partner language or English.

Source Note: The provisions of this §89.1227 adopted to be effective May 28, 2012, 37 TexReg 3822; amended to be effective July 15, 2018, 43 TexReg 4731; amended to be effective August 9, 2023, 48 TexReg 4247