An Upper Adams School Board member wants the board to consider implementing a Spanish-English dual language immersion program for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Marya Djalal, who attended Tuesday’s meeting virtually, presented her idea to the curriculum and extra-curricular committee.
In a dual language immersion classroom, Djalal said students learn their regular subjects of reading, math, science and social studies in English and Spanish. Students who primarily speak English learn alongside students who primarily speak Spanish, she described.
“It would prepare our students for a global future, promote equity in our classrooms and strengthen academic success for every child in our care,” Djalal said. “One in three students in our district comes from a Spanish speaking home. That diversity is one of our greatest assets.”
Djalal said Vida Charter School in Gettysburg and Avon Grove School District in West Grove have “shown that this model can thrive.”
Citing research studies, Djalal said language learning comes easiest to younger children and sets the foundation for a lifetime of success.
“Students in dual language programs consistently meet or exceed grade level standards in reading and math,” Djalal said. “Beyond academics, dual language immersion builds community and promotes equity.”
She made a motion for the committee to further study the proposal but was met with resistance.
Loren Lustig said while the outcome of dual language immersion seems “excellent,” the financial cost must be considered.
Kay Hollabaugh said while she would have “loved” for her children to be bilingual, she fears a dual language immersion program would add too much to the already full plates of the administrators.
Gerald Walmer predicted the idea would “go over like a lead balloon” with the teachers.
Susan Crouse, along with other board members who did not run for reelection, said she felt the matter should be discussed after the newly elected board members step into their seats. She also questioned how the district would find the classroom space and money for such a program.
“Going to have to be a tax increase for sure,” Crouse said.
Djalal suggested the board at least hear from the community before shutting down the proposal.
Superintendent Todd Dishong said he initiated conversation with Avon Grove School District and would reach out to learn more.
Dishong said while he believes dual immersion is a “worthy thing” to consider, the board has to consider the budget as well.
Spring test scores
Also on Tuesday, board members learned how students fared on their spring standardized assessments.
Assistant Superintendent Joseph Albin presented results from the Pennsylvania State System of Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone Exams. The language arts and math PSSAs are given to third through eighth grade students. Grades 5 and 8 also take the science PSSAs. Students’ results are placed into four categories: below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced.
Passing Keystone Exams is generally a graduation requirement, Albin said. Students are “triggered” to take the Keystone Exams not by what grade they are in, but when they take courses in biology, algebra I, and literature, Albin said. A student could be taking a Keystone Exam in eighth or tenth grade, for example, depending on where they are in their studies.
Biglerville Elementary School third grade students soared above their peers elsewhere in the state, with 60.2% scoring proficient or advanced on the language arts PSSA compared to the state average of 48.6% in the spring of 2025. Among that same cohort, 61.3% scored proficient or advanced in math compared to the state average of 53.6%, according to Albin.
Upper Adams fourth graders scored slightly under the state average in language arts and math PSSAs. Fifth graders were just under the state average in language arts and slightly above the state average in math.
Upper Adams sixth graders outshined their peers, with 64.8% scoring proficient or advanced in language arts compared to the state average of 50.8%. They also dominated in math, with 50.9% scoring proficient or advanced compared to the state average of 37.8%.
Upper Adams seventh graders scored slightly better than the state average in language arts and about 16% higher than the state average in math. Eighth graders were slightly under the state averages in language arts and math.
Biglerville High School students rose above the state average in every category of the Keystone Exams. In the spring of 2025, 56.2% of Upper Adams students scored proficient or advanced on the literature exam compared to the state average of 51%. On the algebra I exam, 44.1% of students scored proficient or advanced compared to the state average of 31.5%. On the biology exam, 52.5% of students scored proficient or advanced compared to the state average of 41.2%.
Albin said teachers and administrators analyze this data thoroughly. The principals said the information is used to shape teachers’ methods in the classroom and help customize instruction.
The Upper Adams School Board will next meet Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.