Tuloso-Midway ISD launches dual language, expands dual credit programs

The focus this year at Tuloso-Midway ISD is dual credit and dual language.

Superintendent Steve Van Matre shared information on new programs and district goals during the Tuloso Midway Education Foundation's state of the district fundraiser Thursday, presenting information on the district's new strategic plan. The foundation supports T-MISD with grants for teachers offering unique learning activities in the classroom.

The Tuloso-Midway Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan Monday.

The district launched a dual language program at Tuloso-Midway Primary School this year for pre-K through first grade.

Van Matre compared the program to the experiences of previous generations of Texas children who were forced to speak only English at school. It wasn't until 1973 that state law required schools to provide bilingual instruction for students of limited English ability.

"They would learn English, but you would lose the Spanish proficiency," Van Matre said. "We're not doing that anymore."

"We teach English children Spanish and we teach Spanish children English," Van Matre said. "They learn from each other."

Other area districts have bilingual programs that focus on transitioning Spanish-speaking children into English classrooms, but the T-M Primary School program focuses on teaching children both languages.

Each year the district plans to add another grade of dual language classrooms until the program extends to fifth grade.

"Research tells us by fifth grade we will have produced a biliterate student," Van Matre said. "Tell me what an advantage that will be to children in business, in politics and in industry in South Texas to be able to have both English and Spanish and be proficient."

Van Matre also discussed the district's goals for college and career readiness at the high school level.

Tuloso-Midway High School's Warpath Academy allows students to earn college credit through partnerships with Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Del Mar College and Coastal Bend College.

Last year, the district had 67 students earning dual credit. This year, more than 750 students are participating in Warpath Academy.

"We want to build a 54,000 square feet state of the art Warpath Academy CTE center adjacent to our high school," Van Matre said.

The career and technology education center is a part of a $165 million bond proposal the district will put before voters in November.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Tuloso-Midway ISD touts new dual language, dual credit programs