In Holyoke, a significant advantage for bilingual students is the availability of a dual language program, which supports students in learning both Spanish and English. The primary goal for students participating in this program is to achieve the Seal of Biliteracy, which certifies proficiency in both languages and enhances future educational and career opportunities.

The ability to speak more than one language is a valuable asset, and one that should be recognized in ways such as earning the Seal of Biliteracy. Linguistically diverse students require ample opportunities to understand, speak, read, and write English to realize their full potential within the context of schooling and the greater dominant English-speaking society. The most successful programs are those that develop a positive self-concept in each student while they continue to develop their English proficiency.

According to the Holyoke Public Schools website, the program aims to foster academic achievement, bilingualism, and biliteracy in a multicultural learning environment while preparing students for college and careers.

The dual language program spans all 12 years of a student’s education, beginning in Pre-K. At the Preschool and Kindergarten levels, the program is offered at Kelly School and E.N. White School, where students spend approximately 80% of their day in Spanish-speaking classes. This percentage decreases to 70% in first grade and then to 50% in grades 2-5, with students continuing in the same schools.

For middle school, the program is available at Sullivan School, where students take 2-3 classes in Spanish each year while incorporating necessary English classes. In high school, the program is held at Holyoke High School North. Students take two Spanish classes per year in grades 9-10, increasing to 2-3 classes in grades 11-12.

On top of having this school-long program lasting all the way to graduation, Holyoke has also implemented additional resources to support Spanish-speaking students. For instance, students are provided with Spanish-language versions of standardized tests, including the MCAS and STAR assessments, as well as the option to take regular tests in either English or Spanish.

In addition to the dual language program, Holyoke offers other educational programs, including Sheltered English Immersion (SEI). SEI is designed to support students who are learning English by utilizing their native language when necessary to enhance comprehension. The goal of SEI is to promote English language proficiency.

SEI is divided into two instructional approaches:

• Sheltered Content Instruction (SCI): Focuses on strategies and methodologies to make academic content more accessible and comprehensible while promoting the development of academic language needed to meet content standards.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction: Provides explicit and sustained instruction aimed at preparing students for general education by emphasizing academic language across content areas.

These programs play a crucial role in supporting bilingual students in Holyoke. Given that approximately 90% of families in the city speak Spanish at home, these initiatives help over 5,300 students succeed academically while preserving their bilingual abilities. Over time, these students will gain many more opportunities simply by earning the Seal of Biliteracy, which is a significant achievement. These bilingual programs have greatly benefited Holyoke students who have enrolled and succeeded, and they continue to expand opportunities for bilingual speakers in the area.