Dual language learning program making a big impact at Volusia County Schools

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Spanish courses are common in schools, but classrooms in Volusia County are taking things a step further.

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Students are learning in both English and Spanish throughout the school day.

Channel 9′s Alexa Lorenzo recently visited Holly Hill School, where she got the chance to see the dual language program in action.

She saw first-graders getting comfortable learning in Spanish.

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They’ll continue with this innovative learning model through fifth grade.

Since Dr. Carmen Balgobin took over as superintendent of Volusia County Schools three years ago, students at six district schools are benefitting from the dual language programs.

“They learn how to function academically in a second language. So that is important, because it’s one thing to be bilingual, but it’s another to be biliterate,” Balgobin said.

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Recent data shows 24% of students in Volusia County schools are Hispanic — a 3% rise within the past few years.

See more about this unique program in Alexa Lorenzo’s report below.

Dual language learning program making a big impact at Volusia County Schools Students are learning in both English and Spanish throughout the school day. (WFTV)

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