Many educators find teaching in a dual language program deeply rewarding as they watch student confidence grow. For students, moving toward proficiency in two languages can bridge cultural gaps, improve cognitive development and foster a sense of empowerment.
Texas districts increasingly rely on dual language programs to serve a growing number of English learners in K-12 classrooms. The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Bilingual Education program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) prepares teachers to lead and grow these programs statewide.
Texas enrolled 1,345,042 emergent bilingual students in the 2024-25 school year. That is nearly one in four public school students in the state.
What Is a Dual Language Program?
A dual language program teaches students in two languages. Students learn to read, write and communicate in both English and a partner language. In Texas, that partner language is usually Spanish.
The NCELA Dual Language Playbook defines dual language programs as structured approaches that develop bilingualism, biliteracy and cross-cultural competency. Students in these programs reach high levels in both languages, not just one.
Types of Dual Language Programs
Dual language programs generally fall into two structural types, both aimed at the same bilingual and biliteracy goals. Two-way programs mix native English speakers with native speakers of the partner language, and both groups learn together in both languages. Students build language skills by working alongside peers with different language backgrounds.
One-way programs serve students who all share the same home language. These programs are common in areas where a large share of students speak the same language at home. The Center for Applied Linguistics has studied both models extensively and continues to document which program features are associated with the strongest reading outcomes. The NCELA DLI infographic (January 2025) reports that there are more than 3,600 dual language immersion programs in the United States.
Do Dual Language Programs Work?
Research supports dual language programs. The Institute of Education Sciences reviewed evidence on dual language immersion. That review found positive effects on overall reading skills for students in these programs.
TEA’s Emergent Bilingual Strategic Plan states that research consistently shows EB students achieve stronger long-term academic outcomes when they participate in a well-implemented dual language program. Students who build skills in two languages are better prepared for grade-level content in both. That builds on the broader benefits of bilingual education that educators see in their classrooms every day.
Teachers who complete the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Bilingual Education online at TAMIU learn to design instruction that supports these outcomes. The program prepares educators to lead dual language classrooms with confidence.
What Teachers Do in a Dual Language Program
Dual language programs deliver on the benefits covered in this guide only when teachers are ready to lead them. Well-trained educators turn stronger reading outcomes and faster English proficiency into results students experience in the classroom every day.
Teachers in dual language programs do more than deliver content in two languages. They plan for language development in both languages at once. They track students’ progress in each language and adjust instruction based on what students know.
The NCELA Dual Language Playbook notes that effective dual language programs need qualified bilingual educators and strong leadership. The National Association for Bilingual Education has advocated for expanding the pipeline of qualified bilingual educators since 1975 and continues to push for high-quality professional development for teachers in these programs.
The M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Bilingual Education at TAMIU covers these skills, including strategies for building a bilingual curriculum. This kind of in-demand instruction builds confidence and fosters empowerment in students.
Take the next step toward leading a dual language program with the online M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Bilingual Education at TAMIU.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Language Programs
Educators considering a dual language program often have practical questions about how these programs work and what it takes to lead one. The answers below address some of the most common questions about dual language education in Texas.
What is the difference between a dual language program and an ESL program?
ESL programs focus on developing English proficiency, while dual language programs teach academic content in two languages to build bilingualism and biliteracy in both.
What language is most commonly paired with English in Texas dual language programs?
Spanish is the most common partner language in Texas dual language programs, reflecting the state’s large Spanish-speaking student population.
Do students need to already speak two languages to join a dual language program?
No. Two-way programs mix native English speakers with native speakers of the partner language, and students in either group can enter with little or no proficiency in the second language.
What degree do teachers need to lead a dual language program?
Many districts look for teachers with a graduate degree in bilingual education or curriculum and instruction, such as TAMIU’s M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Bilingual Education, which can be completed in 12 months, along with state bilingual certification.
About Texas A&M International University
Texas A&M International University is located in Laredo, Texas, and is a member of The Texas A&M University System. TAMIU offers online graduate programs designed for working professionals, including the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Bilingual Education.
Working educators can complete coursework entirely online while continuing to teach in their current classrooms. The bilingual education C&I degree features accelerated seven-week courses with six start dates each year, so educators can begin when it fits their schedule. TAMIU’s College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification, giving graduates a credential recognized across Texas school districts.
