SAN FERNANDO, Calif. -- Math may be a universal language, but the lesson plan to learn it is not.

Jaime Doñate is the bilingual coordinator for San Fernando High School. This fall, he’ll be welcoming the school’s first incoming dual immersion class. One problem: There are no Spanish textbooks for Algebra 1.

So Doñate turned to his staff for help. Teachers like Maricela Tovar translated the existing textbook word for word, problem by problem.

“Going to those teachers in particular was ideal, because they already translate the work," Doñate explained. "They already provide the services to our newcomers in particular.” 

Which isn’t to say the assignment was easy. One of the biggest challenges Doñate encountered was trying to find the proper Spanish words for mathematical terms. 

“I come from Mexico," she said, "so some of the terms that I will use in Mexico could be different from a different Latin American country.”

To understand the lack of Spanish language math books, let’s pause for a little history lesson. In the 1990s, California passed Proposition 227 which required English learners be taught primarily in English, effectively closing the book on dual language programs. Then a few years ago, voters reversed that with the approval of Prop 58.

“After Proposition 58 passed, everything exploded," said Lydia Acosta Stephens, who oversees Los Angeles Unified School District’s Multilingual and Multicultural Education Department. With immersion programs offered in six languages in elementary schools, she says the focus now is creating more so-called "pathways" to continue that instruction into middle and high school. There are currently three, and the district plans to launch another six next year.

Doñate says for newcomers, having some instruction in their primary language can be a huge help. “To give them access to the curriculum," he explained, "it allows them to feel like they are excelling in a new country.”  

And Acosta Stevens feels English speakers benefit as well. In a global economy, bilingualism and biliteracy are valuable assets. “In the job market, their careers, opportunities in college. It just opens it up," she said. "Versus staying in a particular box, it opens up that box with a lot of surprises.”  

Doñate is surprised too, by what the teachers were able to accomplish. “What they’ve done," he said, searching for words, "for me, it’s amazing.”   

He says their work will provide a solid start to what he hopes will add up to a successful new program.