A group of parents are getting ready to present their case and demand that the El Paso School District expand its dual-language program.

Currently, the district's dual-language program is offered at nine elementary schools: Coldwell, Collins, Herrera, Kohlberg, Lundy, MacArthur, Mesita, Polk and Putnam. Only one middle school, Wiggs, and one high school, El Paso, offer the dual-language program.

"We're looking for expansion into all the areas of the El Paso School District, because most of the schools that have the program are located on the Westside of town," said Sandra Espinoza, an EPISD parent.

A group of parents from different elementary schools will be presenting their case to EPISD's board of trustees. Parents said they have approached the district individually but have felt ignored. As a result they are getting organized and presenting their cases to the board.

"We demand answers to our questions. Where's the funding? How are they planning to expand the program and when are they planning to expand the program?" said Espinoza.

The program is structured under a 50/50 model. Where half of instruction is in English, and the other half is in Spanish – all subjects are taught in both languages.

"They do half day in English and then they will do half day in Spanish and it's not anything that is translating material it's actually learning, reading, writing – in both languages," said Espinoza.

Aside from offering students bilingualism and bi-literacy, parents believe they have seen great academic advancement in their children. For some the program represents a way to hold on to cultural ties.

"Our children - if they're prepared in both English and Spanish they will have opportunities -- anywhere in this country," said Eduardo Arellano.

Their children are enjoying the program.

"It helps a lot with your friends if they don't speak a lot of English, said Victoria Liu.

Parents are required to fill out a commitment form at the beginning of the Dual-Language program and feel as though the district is not holding up their end of the bargain.

"Next year they'll be graduating their first generation of dual language students and we have no middle schools or high schools for them to continue the program in."

The presentation will be made Feb.12 before the EPISD board at 4:00 p.m.