Dual Language Immersion

Dual Language Immersion (DLI) at Gilbert Accelerated Middle School

The Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program at Gilbert Accelerated Middle School builds on the strong bilingual foundation established at Gilbert Elementary School. In addition to continuing students from our elementary DLI program, students from other immersion programs and qualified heritage Spanish speakers are welcome to apply.

In this program, students continue to develop language proficiency and academic skills in both English and Spanish, with approximately 30% of the school day taught in Spanish, the immersion language. DLI students learn core content alongside their peers, with designated classes taught entirely in Spanish to deepen both academic understanding and linguistic ability.

This purposeful use of Spanish helps students strengthen literacy, academic vocabulary, and communication skills while gaining intercultural awareness.

Throughout middle school, students engage in critical thinking, research, collaboration, and meaningful discussion in both languages. Instruction is aligned with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) framework and prepares students for:

High school coursework such as IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) classes
Earning the Arizona State Seal of Biliteracy

The GAMS DLI program supports students in becoming confident bilingual, biliterate, and globally-minded learners who are well prepared for the next steps in their academic journey.

7th Grade

7th Grade Course Options

World Languages

Dual Language Immersion Spanish I

Grade: 7
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Prior DLI enrollment (K–7) or proof of Intermediate-High AAPPL scores in listening and speaking, and Intermediate-Mid in reading and writing.
Fee: $0.00

This course integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language skills through thematic, content-rich units aligned with the Arizona World and Native Language Standards and English Language Arts Standards. It is intended for students who are motivated and prepared to engage in a rigorous Dual Language Immersion and honors classroom and who are ready to analyze and synthesize ideas across multiple authentic literary and informational texts, conduct research, participate in discussions, and present ideas, while deepening their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures. Advanced reading strategies and writing skills are emphasized through formal writing workshops, independent reading, and research-based projects. All instruction and activities are conducted entirely in Spanish. As part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, students engage with global context and develop intercultural understanding while advancing their language proficiency. The letter grade received in this course will be documented on the high school transcript and will be factored into the student’s high school GPA.

History & Social Sciences

Dual Language Immersion History and Social Sciences 7

Grade: 7
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Prior DLI enrollment (K–7) or proof of Intermediate-High AAPPL scores in listening and speaking and Intermediate-Mid in reading and writing.
Fee: $0.00

This course explores relationships and interactions between societies and cultures in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres through historical and geographical lenses, with U.S. history examined as it intersects with global issues. In this honors-level class, students analyze primary and secondary sources while developing historical thinking skills such as chronological reasoning, evaluating perspectives, and analyzing cause-and-effect relationships. The honors designation adds depth and rigor through student-led inquiries, independent research, service-learning, integration of multiple content areas, and a capstone project. As part of the Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, this course emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and global awareness.

07
Dual Language

8th Grade

8th Grade Course Options

World Languages

Dual Language Immersion Spanish II

Grade: 8
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Prior DLI enrollment (K–7) or proof of Intermediate-High AAPPL scores in listening and speaking, and Intermediate-Mid in reading and writing.
Fee: $0.00

History & Social Sciences

Dual Language Immersion History and Social Sciences 8

Grade: 8
Semester: 2
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Prior DLI enrollment (K–7) or proof of Intermediate-High AAPPL scores in listening and speaking and Intermediate-Mid in reading and writing.
Fee: $0.00

This course focuses on the study of historical events through civic and economic lenses and inquiry, encouraging students to make connections between historical and current issues as a base for implementing change in society. They will recognize and practice their roles and responsibilities as both American and global citizens. United States History will focus on the major events rooted in the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and subsequent amendments. Students will examine primary and secondary sources, including written and oral histories, images, and artifacts, and will conduct independent and collaborative research projects. In addition, historical thinking skills and processes—such as chronological reasoning, identifying and evaluating multiple perspectives, using and understanding sources, analyzing cause and effect relationships, and applying evidence-based reasoning—will be integrated throughout the year. As part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, students engage in inquiry-driven learning that promotes critical thinking, global connections, and civic responsibility. This course fulfills the Arizona History and Social Science Standards for 8th grade and is taught entirely in Spanish as part of the Dual Language Immersion program, enabling students to meet standards while advancing their Spanish proficiency.

08
Dual Language

GAMS DLI Contacts

Laura Helt

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Magda Porras-Gonzales

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - HS - PR

Melanie Mello

COORDINATOR - WORLD LANGUAGE 7-12, DUAL LANGUAGE K-8

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Dual Language Immersion