CHALLENGE
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA), nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (US DOE), is a leader in dual language education. One of the few districts offering a PreK-12 dual language pathway with a Seal of Biliteracy, PSJA knows the strongest investment in student success starts with early literacy. Research shows that children who build strong bilingual skills early are more likely to excel academically, graduate on time, and thrive in the workforce. However, providing access to high-quality, bilingual early learning remained a challenge due to varying home language exposure, limited resources for early literacy development, and the need for greater family engagement. To bridge this gap and extend dual language support from the start, PSJA partnered with Footsteps2Brilliance (F2B) to implement a scalable, research-driven bilingual literacy solution that accelerates language development, closes early learning gaps, and engages families in their child’s education.
RESULTS
Students engaging with F2B’s bilingual curriculum achieved significant progress.
PSJA’s Dual Language Program: A National Model
PSJA has set the standard for dual-language education, earning national recognition from the US DOE. Featured in the Dual Language Immersion Playbooks, a federal guide to best practices, PSJA was highlighted for its research-based strategies in multilingual education and its commitment to dual language access for all learners. With more than 14,000 students enrolled, PSJA’s rigorous curriculum immerses learners in academic instruction in both English and Spanish, fostering fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and critical thinking. “Most school districts offer dual language mostly up to middle school, but at PSJA our program is available all the way through high school to make sure students continue to develop cognitively, linguistically, and academically in both languages,” said PSJA Dual Language Director Olivia Martinez.
Bridging Classroom and Home Learning
A key component of PSJA’s early bilingual success is its partnership with F2B, which provides game-based, literacy activities available on any device—including parents’ smartphones. “Footsteps2Brilliance has been a game changer for our students,” Martinez added. “It has helped our district provide them with a consistent, fun, and engaging language development experience that truly meets their affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs. Our teachers and students absolutely love using this program. It’s not only teacher and student friendly, but also parent friendly. They can also use this program and engage with their children from the comfort of their own home. PSJA ISD loves Footsteps2Brilliance!”
