Dual Language Community Lab Schools Partnership

March 28, 2022 - UTSA DL Board Meeting

UTSA Dual Language CLS Partnership Board Meeting August 23, 2022

• September 27, 2021
• March 28, 2022
• August 23, 2022

Mrs. Erica Lira Castro | Chairperson of the Board

Mrs. Lira-Castro is a first-generation college student, she earned a bachelor's degree in English, and then went on to receive a master's degree in educational leadership. Erica worked as an elementary school math teacher for over a decade and now serves as an education consultant. She previously worked with Dr. Jill Biden to encourage more Latinos to consider entering the field of teaching. Erica currently works in Harlandale Independent School District in San Antonio. She previously served as the Lead Instructional Coach and is now the Human Resources Coordinator of Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), T-TESS, & 504s.

Dr. Yvonne Katz | Vice Chairperson of the Board

Dr. Yvonne Katz spent 39 years in public education as a classroom teacher in regular/special education; middle school principal; Director of Accreditation and Associate Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency; superintendent for almost 20 years in the Harlandale ISD, Beaverton School District (Oregon), and Spring Branch ISD (Houston). Understanding the need to continue to support education, she was the organizer and first president of the UTSA Alumni Association and was the first inductee as the Distinguished Alumna. She began the scholarship program for the Alumni Association and challenged all alums to contribute as they have for over 30 years.

Dr. Richard Middleton | Board Member

Dr. Middleton is a former North East ISD Superintendent. He graduated from NEISD's Lee High School before getting a bachelor's in history and government from Trinity University and beginning his education career at San Antonio Independent School District's Whittier Middle School in 1972. Soon after, he began teaching history and government at NEISD's Roosevelt High. By 1974, Middleton had earned his master’s in curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas at San Antonio and had become an administrative assistant to NEISD's superintendent. Middleton earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986 and became deputy superintendent for instruction at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Rosenberg the same year. Middleton returned to NEISD in 1987 as associate superintendent of administrative services and, later, superintendent. For the past three years, North East ISD has been a recognized district under the state's accountability ratings.

Dr. Abelardo Villarreal | Intercultural Development Research Association

In addition to his impressive work in education spanning pre-K through higher education, Dr. Villarreal has always been drawn to public and community service, a family legacy left by his parents, who were restaurant business owners. His passion for equity, access and excellence in education grew exponentially into lifelong and distinguished leadership in this arena that is nationally recognized. He has taught students from third grade to the university level and served as an elementary school principal and a district director of the secondary curriculum. He has also overseen compliance with Lau regulations with the Office for Civil Rights. Dr. Villarreal is a national leader in school program management, curriculum development, and facilitating innovative models for school change. His deep understanding of family, community, and multi-sector engagement further broadened his horizons into the jewelry business, and in owning stores in Seguin, San Marcos, and San Antonio, another interest which he shares with his wife, as he continues to build a business legacy. He continues passing his impressive skills to his children, all of whom own and are leaders in the business world.

Mrs. Dalia Contreras | Senior Director of Community Engagement at City Education Partners

Dalia Flores Contreras is the Senior Director of Community Engagement at City Education Partners (CEP). Dalia grew up in the west side of San Antonio and is a graduate of both Palo Alto College (PAC) and The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). She holds a bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master's in educational leadership and Policy Studies from UTSA. She has over 14 years of experience in education and has served in a variety of roles from classroom teacher to Superintendent of schools. She has had the opportunity to study, learn and work in the education ecosystem of Texas, Illinois, and Oklahoma. Dalia is extremely passionate about authentic community engagement and believes in the power of educating, equipping, and empowering families and communities to be advocates and change makers.

• 2022-23 Campus Pillars and Needs
• 2024-25 Research Flowchart
• 2024-25 Campus Support and Professional Development Flow Chart
• 2022-23 Research Application (UTSA Faculty Only)
• 2022-23 Campus Support and Professional Development Application

Dual Language Model

The partnership establishes a dual language model school network aimed at enhancing the education of bilingual students in San Antonio. Schools serve as leaders in implementing effective dual language practices that prepare educators to better serve their students.

80/20 Immersion Approach

The participating schools follow an 80/20 dual language immersion model, where pre-K students learn primarily in Spanish (80% with gradual incorporation of English. By fourth grade, the model shifts to a 50/50 balance. This approach helps Spanish-speaking students maintain their language foundation while successfully learning English, ensuring they do not fall behind academically.

Bridging Theory and Practice

The UTSA/SAISD partnership focuses on closing the gap between educational theory and classroom practice. Through collaboration, research, and community engagement, the partnership promotes the advancement of teaching and learning, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.

Diverse Learning Options

The dual language partnership does not mean all classrooms will exclusively teach in Spanish. Schools have the flexibility to choose a dual language strand, offering both monolingual and dual language classes at each grade level.