Language Programs & Special Education

San Francisco has language programs that address the different needs of its students, whether an English only speaker, a bilingual speaker, or an English Language Learner.

Language Assessment

• Applicants who list a language other than English on their application will be required to have their language skills assessed by the Educational Placement Center (EPC). The student's native language skills will be assessed and extra counseling will be provided to help determine the right program for the student's needs.
• Appointments can be scheduled with the EPC when submitting an application. Plan to spend about 1-1/2 to 2 hours, which includes time for the assessments and time to meet with a placement counselor. Assessments are held at the EPC office at 555 Franklin, Monday thru Friday.

Dual Language Immersion Programs

• Designed for 1) native or bilingual speakers of Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, or Spanish; and 2) native English speakers. Students in the Dual Language Immersion program are educated in both English and the target language. The goal is for students to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural.  Enrollment in Dual Language Immersion programs is balanced between ½ to 2/3 native/bilingual speakers and ½ to 1/3 non-native speaking students (generally Englishspeaking). Students entering dual immersion programs, second grades or above must pass target language proficiency.
• Presentation by Dr. Lindholm-Leary on SFUSD Immersion programs, 2006 (pdf)
• Long-term outcomes for 2-way immersion programs in SFUSD, 2006 (pdf)
• List of Immersion programs in SFUSD 2010 (pdf)

Foreign Language in Elementary School (FLES) Programs

This program is designed for all students – they are not limited based on their language ability. Students receive their primary education in English with additional instruction (30-60 minutes per day, 3-5 days/week) in either Italian, Japanese, Spanish or Russian. The goal is to give students proficiency in English and competency in a second language.

• List of FLES programs in SFUSD 2010 (pdf)

Secondary World Languages

This program is designed for all students in middle and high school – they are not limited based on their language ability. Students are instructed in the target language during this class period in order to develop academic, literacy and social competency in a second language. Students may also take College Board approved Advanced Placement (AP) courses for the languages in which they are offered.

Programs for English Learners

There are three types of language programs specifically for English Learners, Newcomer, Biliteracy, and English Plus Pathways.  Students who are classified as English Learners after their language assessment may choose one of these programs or immersion programs to support them as they learn English.

• Newcomer Programs

  A one- to two-year program to help recently arrived immigrant students to adjust to learning English and understand their new culture.

• Biliteracy Programs

  Designed to support native speakers of Spanish, Cantonese, or Filipino who are learning English. Students are taught primarily in their native language, with increasing instruction in English each year. The goal is to develop a high level of English proficiency while maintaining their native language

• English Plus Pathway Programs

  An Intensive English instruction program for students not eligible or interested in Newcomer, Biliteracy, or Immersion programs.  Students receive at least 30 minutes per day of English Language Development (ELD) instruction.  It is available at all school sites, except whole school immersion / newcomer sites

Special Education Programs

There are four types of special education programs in the school district for children with disabilities. Students are assigned to these programs based on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

1. Designated Instructional Services (DIS) Only– Students are enrolled in general education classrooms and are provided with additional instruction by qualified teachers. These services are offered at every K-12 school.
2. Resource Specialist Programs (RSP) – Students are enrolled in general education classrooms. These services are provided to students who have mild disabilities. These services are offered at every K-12 school.
3. Inclusion Services  – Students are enrolled in general education classrooms. These services are provided to students who are nonsevere to severely impaired. Iinclusion services are offered at every school site for grades K, 6, and 9.  All other grades, inclusion services are only offered at specified sites.
4. Special Day Class Services (SDC) – Students are enrolled in self-contained special education classes. Special Day Classes are NOT offered at every site.

Application Process for Special Education Students
Please see the Special Education Enrollment Guide for more information on the enrollment process.