Grade Level Pathways

Grade-Level Pathways: Dual Language from K–12

In the Hillsboro School District, Dual Language is a long-term commitment — and the benefits grow each year. Our program supports students from early literacy in PK/kindergarten all the way through graduation, where they can earn the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy.

Here's what Dual Language looks like at each level:

Elementary School (K–6): Building Bilingual Foundations

In elementary school, students spend 50% of their day learning in English and 50% in Spanish. They receive instruction in literacy, math, science, and social studies in both languages.

Focus Areas:

• Early reading and writing in both English and Spanish
• Strong vocabulary and language development
• Academic content in both languages
• Cultural identity, confidence, and collaboration

Sample Learning Goals by 3rd Grade:

• Read grade-level texts in both English and Spanish
• Write short opinion and informative pieces in both languages
• Use academic vocabulary in math, science, and social studies
• Develop pride in their language and heritage

Pathway to Biliteracy Recognitions and Award:

• In third grade, students earn a certificate of recognition for participating in DL.
• At the end of 6th grade students receive a certificate and an award for finishing their elementary journey as a DL student and for demonstrating skills in writing and speaking for both languages. 

Middle School (7–8): Strengthening Academic Spanish

In middle school, students continue to grow in academic language and take Language Arts and at least one other content-area class in Spanish, such as language arts and social studies, alongside core content in English. This allows them to take 50% of their core classes in Spanish and 50% in English. 

Focus Areas:

• Academic reading and writing in Spanish and English
• Critical thinking and discussion in two languages
• Identity exploration and cultural literacy
• Preparing for advanced coursework in high school

Sample Learning Goals by 8th Grade:

• Write multi-paragraph essays in Spanish and English
• Participate in structured academic discussions in both languages
• Read and analyze informational texts in both English and Spanish
• Explore bilingualism as a strength and identity

Pathway to Biliteracy Recognitions:

• At the end of 8th grade students receive a certificate and an award for finishing their middle school journey as a DL student and for demonstrating skills in writing and speaking for both languages.

High School (9–12): Bilingual Mastery and College/Career Prep

In high school, students have access to Spanish language arts, social studies in Spanish, and AP/IB or dual credit options. Students continue developing academic biliteracy and prepare for real-world applications of their language skills.

Focus Areas:

• Literary analysis, persuasive and research writing in Spanish
• AP Spanish Literature and/or AP Spanish Language
• Earning high school and college credit
• Preparing for the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy

Sample Learning Goals by 12th Grade:

• Analyze complex literature and current events in Spanish
• Write formal essays using academic Spanish conventions
• Demonstrate advanced bilingual communication and leadership
• Qualify for the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy

Pathway to Biliteracy Recognitions:

• At the end of 12th grade students may be eligible to  receive the Hillsboro School District Bilingual Recognition for demonstrating high level proficiency in two domains (writing, speaking, reading and listening) in English and another language.
   
• At the end of 12th grade students may be eligible to  receive  the State Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating high level proficiency in all domains (reading, writing, listening and speaking).  

Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy/Multiliteracy (OSSB/OSSM)

The Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy  recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate high intermediate-level proficiency in English and another language (Spanish, in our program).  The Oregon State Seal of Multiliteracy honors graduating seniors who demonstrate high intermediate-level proficiency  in three or more languages.

Why it matters:

• It's noted on the student’s diploma and transcript
• Shows colleges and employers a valuable skill set
• Opens doors to scholarships, careers, and leadership roles

Who is Eligible? 

All HSD seniors can apply for the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy or the Oregon State Seal of Multiliteracy, as long as they meet language criteria by the spring submission deadline.

How to Qualify 

Students must demonstrate high intermediate-level proficiency in two languages for the OSSB or three or more languages for the OSSM.

Proficiency can be demonstrated in the following ways:

• English Proficiency – via state assessments such as  SBAC or  ELPA, portfolio or other approved assessments.
   
• Partner Language Proficiency – via STAMP, AP, IB, or portfolio. 
   
• Application requirements and deadlines are shared with seniors each fall.

Students in  the Dual Language program are given guidance and support starting in 9th grade by collecting evidence from their core classes. (*It is not a requirement that students be in the Dual Language Program in order to qualify for the OSSB/M). Once students reach their senior year, DL coordinators in each of the comprehensive high schools provide guidance and support to all students who are interested in and/or eligible to receive the OSSB/M.

Honors, Celebration & 2026 Recipients

This year, 244  Hillsboro School District graduating seniors earned the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy or the Oregon State Seal of Multiliteracy.  

Students received: 

• certificate from ODE (Oregon Department of Education) 
• a gold seal placed on their high school diploma 
• a notation on their  transcript
• This year students are additionally being honored with an OSSB/M medal.  

This distinction serves as a powerful credential for colleges and future employers, providing formal recognition that these graduates are both bilingual and biliterate. We are proud to celebrate their bilingual and bicultural achievements!