Dual Language Program
All four of our comprehensive high schools offer dual language learning opportunities in English and Spanish. As Hillsboro School District’s dual language program has grown from elementary school to middle school to high school, course offerings have been designed to best meet the needs of our students.
Hillsboro High School offers a specialized four-year course sequence in dual language completing the PK-12 program and focusing on developing fluency and Spanish language interdisciplinary studies. Century High School, Glencoe High School, and Liberty High School began their Dual Language program expansion in 2020 and 2021 offering a specialized four-year course sequence completing the PK-12 program for their feeders.
All four schools are committed to offer at least two core courses in Spanish based on staffing. One of these courses is Spanish Language Arts aligned to the Language Arts Oregon State Standards. These courses look very much like an English language arts class, but are taught in Spanish using authentic Spanish literature. Additionally, this course offers students the opportunity to earn Language Arts Credits or World Language Credits.
In addition to aligning to state standards, all courses center themes from the Three Pillars of Dual Language Program: Bilingualism and Biliteracy, Academic Achievement and Socio-Cultural Competence.
Native Spanish students, Heritage Spanish students and/or students who were previously in a dual language program who wish to enter the program at the high school level are encouraged to meet with their counselor to determine if they meet the entry criteria.
Dual Language Program Goals
The goals of the program are:
- Develop high levels of proficiency in Spanish and English
- Develop bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism
- Develop positive cross-culture attitudes and behaviors
- Provide authentic opportunities for service in Spanish-speaking communities in the region
- Provide students with the cognitive skills required to excel in high school, college and the workplace.
Students enrolled in the Dual Language Program at Century High School, Glencoe High School, Hillsboro High School, and Liberty High School are eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy and Multileracy. In order to earn the State Seal, students need to demonstrate a score of at least high intermediate levels (6 or higher on the ACTFL rubric) in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in two or more languages. Students may demonstrate this through a state approved assessment (AP, IB, STAMP, WorldSpeak, etc.) or via a student work portfolio. Please note that the State Seal of Biliteracy and Multileracy available to any district student who meets the state requirements.
Students who finish a four-year sequence of the Dual Language Program instruction are eligible for HSD Bilingual recognition at graduation if they score intermediate proficiency in at least two domains.