About Us
The Dual Language Training Institute (DLTI) is a consulting firm of Master and PhD professionals (education professors) dedicated to providing professional development services and technical support to schools and districts interested in educating all of their students through either a One-Way or Two-Way Dual Language Education using the Gómez and Gómez Elementary or Secondary DLE Models, thereby providing greater educational equity and biliteracy opportunities to the students they serve.
First implemented in 1996, the Gómez and Gómez DLE Models have expanded to over 700 elementary schools, 22 middle schools and 6 high schools in 145 school districts across 11 states (109 in Texas!).
The Gómez and Gómez DLE Models are the most widely implemented dual language enrichment programs in the country!
First implemented in 1996, the Gómez and Gómez DLE Models have expanded to over 700 elementary schools, 22 middle schools and 6 high schools in 145 school districts across 11 states (109 in Texas!).
The Gómez and Gómez DLE Models are the most widely implemented dual language enrichment programs in the country!
Mission/Vision
DLTI is committed to the belief, as evidenced through extensive research, that successful Dual Language Learner's (DLLs) (inappropriately referred to as ELLs or LEP) achievement is largely based on the extent and quality of native language instruction (L1). Increasingly, One-Way Dual Language Programs now serve as THE bilingual program successfully serving ALL DLLs.
Services
Dr. Leo Gómez along with numerous experienced DLTI Consultants have conducted and continue to offer professional development workshops on effective implementation of the Gómez & Gómez DLE Models that includes initial and follow-up training in the following areas:
The implementation of these DLE Models have proven effective in improving the short and long-term academic and linguistic achievement of DLLs and Non-DLLs (based on standardized test scores in reading, mathematics and science).
- 2-Day "Initial" Training on the Development and Implementation of the Gómez & Gómez DLE Models (Elementary or Secondary)
- 2-Day Follow-Up/Support Trainings on the Gomez & Gomez Elementary Model:
- DLE "Refresher" Training on the Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- DLE Lite Training on Best Practices used in Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model (for upper grade BE classrooms and Gen. Ed. classrooms)
- Creating and Optimizing use of the DLE Environment as used in the Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- Development and Use of Bilingual Learning Centers (can be 2 or 3 day training)
- Use of Bilingual Pairs in Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- Creating the Five Language of the Day (LOD) Activities as used in Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- Project-Based Learning/Bilingual Research Centers Strategies for PK-5th Grade as used in the Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- DLE Lesson Cycle: Creating Lessons that are Challenging Interactive and Authentic (CIA)
- Content & Reflective Writing Across the Curriculum and in the Language of the Day
- SLA/ELA Curriculum Mapping & Alignment for 2nd-5th Grade as used in the Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- Spanish Literacy, Spanish Science & Social Studies through Inquiry-Based Learning (can be 2 or 3 day training)
- Creating Specialized Vocabulary Enrichment (SVE) Activities PK-5th Grade used in the Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model
- Facilitating Biliteracy Transfer in Spanish & English Reading Instruction
- 2-Day Follow-Up/Support Trainings on Gomez & Gomez Secondary Model:
- DLE Lesson Cycle: Creating Lessons that are Challenging, Interactive and Authentic (CIA)
- Project-Based Learning/Bilingual Research Centers used in the Gómez & Gómez Secondary DLE Model
- Use of Bilingual Word Walls, Specialized Vocabulary Enrichment (SVE) and SGAs used in the Gómez & Gómez Secondary DLE Model
- Use of Bilingual Pairs in the Gómez & Gómez Secondary DLE Model
- DLE Refresher Training on Gómez & Gómez Secondary DLE Model
- Administrator Training (Elementary or Secondary)
- 1 or 2-day Administrator Training on the Gómez and Gómez DLE Model
- Half-Day Administrator Training on the Gómez & Gómez DLE Model
- DLE Classroom Visits (Elementary or Secondary)
- DLE Classroom Visits to Provide Feedback & Support Implementation of the Gómez & Gómez DLE Model
- In-Class Teacher Coaching/Training (Elementary or Secondary)
- Two-to-Five Days (or more) Classroom-Based Teacher Coaching/Training
The implementation of these DLE Models have proven effective in improving the short and long-term academic and linguistic achievement of DLLs and Non-DLLs (based on standardized test scores in reading, mathematics and science).
Why Dual Language?
Results of enrichment bilingual education models continue to demonstrate that the route to “academic English” and long-term achievement for DLLs is through a strong education in their native language and well-balanced and sequenced English instruction. Although instruction in Spanish (native language) appears counter-intuitive to English language acquisition, it is the best route because it is focused on academic learning that involves cognitive and linguistic development and on-grade-level learning. In late-exit transitional bilingual programs, sometimes referred to as “maintenance” programs where DLLs exit native language instruction late (after 4-5 years in program), or dual language programs, where DLLs continue with no less than 50% native language instruction through 5th grade, research shows there is greater long-term academic success. However, only one-way or two-way dual language programs effectively close the academic achievement gap for DLLs based on long-term standardized assessments. In contrast, remedial BE models (transitional or ESL) only partially close the gap (Thomas & Collier, 2004).
Background
Dr. Leo Gómez, retired professor in Bilingual/Dual Language Education, has focused his research on language and academic issues that affect DLLs. Over the last 25 years, he has been extensively involved in the development, implementation and assessment of dual language education programs, successfully implementing the Gómez & Gómez Elementary DLE Model he originally developed in 1995 and first implemented in 1996 at PSJA ISD in Pharr, Texas. Dr. Gómez then created the Gómez & Gómez Secondary DLE Model that was first implemented in 2002 at PSJA ISD as the first cohort continued dual language instruction at the secondary level. He has also secured, administered and evaluated numerous Title III dual language programs.
Dr. Leo Gómez, Owner of DLTI and Original Author of the Gómez & Gómez DLE Models