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Multilingual Education

The resources on this web page offer information on the development, implementation, and location of multilingual programs.

La Educación Multilingüe (español)

Overview of Multilingual Programs

Multilingual programs prepare students for linguistic and academic proficiency in English and additional languages, and require thoughtful design. Multilingual programs are based on research that demonstrates the program model’s effectiveness at leading students toward linguistic fluency and academic achievement in more than one language.

The California Department of Education (CDE) mission is to equip students with world language skills to better appreciate and more fully engage with the diverse mixture of cultures, heritages, and languages found in California and the world, while also preparing them to succeed in the global economy. The CDE has set specific goals in the Global California 2030 Report (PDF). By 2030, half of all kindergarten through grade twelve students will participate in programs leading to proficiency in two or more languages, either through a class, a program, or an experience. By 2040, three out of four students will be proficient in one or more languages, earning them a State Seal of Biliteracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Multilingual Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Multilingual Program Descriptions

Multilingual programs may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dual-Language Immersion (Two-Way Immersion) is language learning and academic instruction for native speakers of English and native speakers of another language. The goals of dual-language immersion programs are language proficiency and academic achievement in students’ first and second languages, and cross-cultural understanding. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade eight, but may be offered through grade twelve.

Transitional Bilingual provides instruction for English learners utilizing English and students’ native language for literacy and academic instruction, with the goals of language proficiency and academic achievement in English. Students typically transition to “English only” instruction by third grade. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade three, but may be offered at higher grade levels.   

Developmental Bilingual provides instruction for English learners utilizing English and students’ native language for literacy and academic instruction, with the goals of language proficiency and academic achievement in students’ first and second languages. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade eight.

One-Way Immersion provides instruction in English and another language for non-speakers of the other language, with the goals of language proficiency and academic achievement in English and the other language, and cross-cultural understanding. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade eight.

Heritage Language or Indigenous Language provides instruction in English and another language for non-English speakers or students with limited literacy skills in their first language. Indigenous language programs support endangered minority languages in which students may have limited receptive and no productive skills. Both programs often serve American Indian students. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade twelve.

FLEX: Foreign Language Elementary Experience provides instruction for non-native speakers of the target language, with the goals of exposure, enrichment, and language experience. Typically during a designated period of the school day or after-school program (usually a few times a week) providing basic exposure to a language. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade eight.

FLES: Foreign Language in Elementary Schools provides instruction for non-native speakers of the target language during a designated period of the school day or after-school program dedicated to language study. This program is typically found in kindergarten through grade eight.

Native Speakers Courses are courses of language study designed for native speakers of the target language, typically offered in grades seven through twelve.
Questions:   Language Policy and Leadership Office | 916-319-0845
Last Reviewed: Monday, August 04, 2025
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