Tyler ISD expands K-12 Dual Language with $4.5M grant

**Tyler ISD Secures Nearly $4.5 Million Grant to Expand Dual Language Program**

Tyler ISD has been awarded a significant grant totaling $4,499,997 from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to expand its successful Dual Language program. The funding, part of the TEA's Accelerating Dual Language Learners grant program, was announced on Friday, June 14th.

This three-year grant will enable Tyler ISD to extend its current K-5 Dual Language program into middle school and eventually high school. The program currently serves over 1,700 students across 14 elementary campuses within Tyler, Texas.

The expansion is scheduled to begin with two middle schools for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Dr. Kristen Light, Tyler ISD’s Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, emphasized the importance of continuing students' biliteracy skills. "It's vital for our students to continue building those biliteracy skills beyond elementary school," Light stated. "This grant provides the resources necessary to support their linguistic and academic growth through their educational journey."

A substantial portion of the grant will be dedicated to professional development for teachers and the acquisition of new curriculum and materials. Dr. Cara Hill, Chief Academic Officer for Tyler ISD, highlighted the anticipated benefits. "This investment will undoubtedly boost academic achievement for all students involved," Hill explained. "Expanding our Dual Language program is a strategic move that benefits not only our students but also strengthens our entire district's commitment to diverse educational pathways and opportunities."

For more information about Tyler ISD's programs, visit tylerisd.org. Details on state education initiatives can be found on the Texas Education Agency website, tea.texas.gov.