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What is a Dual Language Immersion Program?

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What is a Dual Language Immersion Program?

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"Dual language programs use two languages for literacy and content instruction for all students. In the United States, programs use English and a partner language, often Spanish. The programs provide the same academic content and address the same standards as other educa- tional programs. They provide instruction in the two languages over an extended period of time, from kindergarten through at least fifth grade. In- struction is in the partner language at least 50% of the time."( Center for Applied Linguistics, para. 1)

Reference: Center for Applied Linguistics. (n.d.). Two Way Immersion Education: The Basics. Retrieved from https://www.cal.org/twi/toolkit/PI/Basics_Eng.pdf

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Types of Dual Language Immersion Programs:

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Types of Dual Language Immersion Programs:

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"Developmental, or maintenance, bilingual programs: These enroll primarily students who are native speakers of the partner language.

Two-way (bilingual) immersion programs: These enroll a balance of native English speakers and native speakers of the partner language.

Foreign language immersion, language immersion or one-way immersion: These enroll primarily native English speakers.

Heritage language programs: These mainly enroll students who are dominant in English but whose parents, grandparents, or other ancestors spoke the partner language." (Diverse Language Education Network, para. 3)

Reference :Diverse Language Education Network. (n.d.). What is dual language education? Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.dlenm.org/who-we-are/what-is-dual-language-education/

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Benefits and Outcomes of Dual Language Immersion:

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Benefits and Outcomes of Dual Language Immersion:

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Reference: Delaware Department of Education. (n.d.). Benefits and outcomes of dual language immersion. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://education.delaware.gov/legacy/home/instruction-and-assessment/standards-and-instruction/world-language-welcome/delaware-dual-language-immersion/benefits-and-outcomes-of-dual-language-immersion/

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Benefits and Outcomes of Dual Language Immersion – Legacy Pages

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Research shows that long-term participation in Dual Language Immersion programs can produce benefits for students in many areas. Among others, the benefits of participation in dual language immersion programs include:

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Key Features:

1. Language Preservation: Focus on maintaining the students' first language while learning a second language, promoting cultural identity.

2. Balanced Instruction: Instruction is provided in both languages, often with the goal of achieving academic proficiency in each.

3. Cognitive Benefits: Research suggests that bilingualism can enhance cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and overall academic performance.

4. Inclusive Environment: They foster an inclusive classroom where students of varying language backgrounds can learn together.

Reference: Fiveable. (n.d.). Maintenance bilingual education. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/psychology-language/maintenance-bilingual-education

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Reference: San Jose Unified School District. (n.d.). Two-way bilingual immersion (TWBI). Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://www.sjusd.org/learning/programs/twbi

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Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI) education has been part of San José Unified for more than 30 years. In our TWBI program, students develop dual language proficiency by receiving instruction in both English and Spanish in a classroom that is usually composed of half native Spanish speakers and half native English speakers.

Two-way programs provide both sets of students with ample exposure to the two languages, one language at a time, allowing them to progress and attain academic excellence in both languages while gaining an appreciation for another culture and developing mastery of grade-level content standards. The program aims to:

Develop fluency in communication and literacy in two languages, Spanish and English

Acquire knowledge in all academic subjects as outlined by the National Common Core Academic Standards

Cultivate understanding and appreciation of other cultures, inspire self-esteem, and strengthen positive attitudes among students, their families, and the community

Program participants and their families are expected to make a minimum commitment of six years from kindergarten through grade 5, to fully benefit from the TWBI model. Parents and guardians are required to attend an orientation to TWBI before enrolling their students in the program. Information sessions generally occur in January.

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Two-Way Bilingual Immersion - San Jose Unified School District

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Two-Way Bilingual Immersion - San Jose Unified School District

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Reference: Minnesota Center for Reading Research. (2007). Bridging research and practice in language education. CARLA: Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition. https://archive.carla.umn.edu/immersion/acie/vol10/BridgeFeb07.pdf

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Reference: CUNY ILETC. (n.d.). Who are heritage learners? Retrieved October 22, 2024, from https://iletc.commons.gc.cuny.edu/materials-resources/writing-proficiency-of-heritage-learners-home/who-are-heritage-learners/

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Who Are Heritage Language Learners? – I L E T C

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Reference:New America. (2023). A new look at dual language learner data gaps. https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/briefs/a-new-look-at-dual-language-learner-data-gaps/

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A New Look at Dual Language Learner Data Gaps

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This brief synthesizes interviews with state and national early childhood education leaders seeking to address dual language learner data gaps.

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This link talks about the history, advantages, disadvantages, drawbacks, etc.

Reference: Pilz, Kaitlyn l. (2018). Advantages and Drawbacks in Spanish Immersion: A Literature Review (Publication No. 1041) [Master's thesis, St. Cloud State University]. St. Cloud State University Repository. https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1041&context=ed_etds#:~:text=The%20drawbacks%20of%20being%20part,community%20and%20with%20their%20family.

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reference: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. (n.d.). Dual language education: What families should know. Washington State. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/access-opportunity-education/migrant-and-multilingual-education/multilingual-education-program/dual-language-education-and-resources/dual-language-education-what-families-should-know

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Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

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Dual language education is a form of instruction in which students learn literacy and content in English and another language. Dual language is also sometimes called two-way or one-way dual language, or dual language immersion. Programs begin in preschool or Kindergarten and extend through high school.

State Superintendent Reykdal's vision is that all students in Washington state will have access to dual language and the opportunity to become proficient in two or more languages by 2030.

Washington State Dual Language Programs

Dual language education continues to grow in Washington. To locate and learn about dual language programs, use the Washington State Report Card tool.

1. Navigate to the Report Card State Total.

2. Scroll down and click on Dual Language Programs on the left-hand navigation bar.

You will see a listing of dual language programs in the state. Click on the tabs to see a state map of programs, languages of instruction, and trend data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dual language education?

Dual language education is a form of instruction in which students learn literacy and content in English and another language. Dual language is also sometimes called two-way or one-way dual language, or dual language immersion. Programs begin in preschool or Kindergarten and extend through high school.

Most dual language programs in Washington are taught in Spanish and English, although there are also programs that use Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Russian or a Tribal language as the "partner" language. Teachers of the partner language have high levels of proficiency in that language. In elementary programs, students may have one bilingual teacher who teaches both languages at different times of the day or two teachers who each teach exclusively in one of the languages.

What are the goals of dual language education?

The goals of dual language education are to help students:

Become bilingual and biliterate with high levels of proficiency in both languages.

Perform at or above grade level in academic areas in both languages.

Develop positive cross-cultural attitudes and global understanding.

What types of dual language programs are there?

There are three main types of dual language programs in Washington, which mainly differ in the student groups they serve.

Two-way dual language programs. These programs enroll a balance of multilingual/English learners, including native speakers of the partner language, and native English-speaking students.

One-way dual language programs. These programs enroll mostly multilingual/English learners, including native speakers of the partner language.

World language immersion programs. These programs enroll mostly native English-speaking students although some multilingual English learners may participate but typically make up less than a third of the class.

How much time is spent in the partner language?

Dual language programs use the partner language for at least half of the instructional day or at least two class periods per day at the secondary level. The two most common models in Washington are:

90/10 - In 90/10 programs, students begin in kindergarten with 90% of the school day in the partner language and 10% in English. English instruction is increased each year by about 10% until students are learning for 50% of their time in each language. Research shows that the 90/10 program is the most effective dual language model because it immerses students quickly in the partner language for initial content and literacy instruction. With this solid foundation, students develop strong English skills as English instruction increases.

50/50 - In 50/50 programs, students have 50% of instruction in the partner language and 50% in English beginning in kindergarten and continuing throughout high school. The 50/50 program model is also an effective model for students, according to research, but may take longer for students to reach high levels of proficiency in the partner language.

In all dual language programs, students are immersed in the partner language for extended periods of time to provide strong language modeling and significant practice in using the language through grade-level academic content and literacy instruction.

Who should participate in a dual language program?

Research shows that many different types of students can be successful in dual language programs. In Washington, multilingual/English learners and American Indian/Alaska Native students are prioritized for at least half of the seats in two-way dual language programs to prevent opportunity gaps and encourage students to fully develop their first or heritage language. English speaking students also benefit greatly from dual language education, including students from historically underserved groups. Students with learning disabilities and other special needs can also be successful in dual language with appropriate supports.

How well does dual language education work?

Research shows that dual language education is highly effective! Students who have participated in dual language score above average on English reading tests for both native English-speaking students as well as multilingual learners. They also perform well in other academic content areas.

It is important to remember that these results come from staying in the program for at least six or more years and ideally through high school. Families who choose to be in dual language should make a commitment to keep their child in the program through high school to reap the full benefits of becoming bilingual and biliterate.

What are the benefits of learning two languages?

Knowing more than one language has many benefits including stronger brain development, higher academic achievement, increased job opportunities, and positive and respectful attitudes towards different languages and cultures.

Some of the benefits of bilingualism are:

Intellectual: Studies show that bilingual children have greater mental flexibility and cognitive skills not only in language but also in math and other subjects.

Educational: Multilingual students who learn English and continue to develop their home language do better in school than those who learn in English-only classrooms. Both multilingual English learners and proficient English speakers have higher academic achievement in dual language than in English-only classrooms.

Personal: Children who are learning more than one language have a stronger sense of identity and value their own and others' cultures.

Social: Children in dual language programs develop greater understanding of global and social issues as well as valuing different perspectives.

Economic: The demand for bilingual employees throughout the world continues to increase. The ability to speak, read, and write two or more languages is a great advantage in the job market.

As dual language students reach the high school level, most will be able to qualify for the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy. This honor is recognized at graduation and goes on their transcript to demonstrate their bilingual and biliterate abilities to colleges and future employers.

How can parents be involved in dual language education?

Family involvement is a key factor in dual language education. Whether you speak multiple languages or only one, you can contribute positively to your child's success and the success of the program.

Here are ways that you can support and be involved in dual language:

Locate dual language programs in your area and/or advocate for dual language if your district does not have a program near you.

If your child enrolls in a dual language school, learn about how the model works and what students will be learning in each language.

Attend school events and learn a few words or phrases in the other language so you can interact with other families.

Ask your child about their learning but don't expect them to use the other language with you at home. Using your own language at home provides the best model and cognitive development for your child.

Volunteer or get involved in the classroom or the school. Your child will see that you value their education and efforts to become bilingual.

Participate on the district's Dual Language Advisory Board to ensure the program is effective for all students.

Encourage your child to stay in the program even when it feels challenging. Remember that it takes many years to learn another language, especially as children are still developing their first language.

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Dual Language Education: What Families Should Know

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Dual language education is a form of instruction in which students learn literacy and content in English and another language. Dual language is also sometimes called two-way or one-way dual language, or dual language immersion. Programs begin in preschool or Kindergarten and extend through high school.

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Reference: Duran, L. (2016). Practical and proven strategies for teaching young dual language learners [Chapter 4]. Early Childhood Webinars. https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Chapter-4_Practical-and-Proven-Strategies-for-Teaching-Young-Dual-Language-Learners.pdf