Dual Language Immersion Language immersion, or simply immersion, is a

method of teaching a second language in which the students’ second language is the medium of classroom instruction.

Through this method, learners study school subjects, such as math, science, social studies, and literacy in a Second Language.

The main purpose of this method is to foster bilingualism, in other words, to develop learners' communicative competence or language proficiency in a Second Language in addition to their first or native language.

BackgroundO The first modern language

immersion programs appeared in Canada in the 1960s. English-speaking parents there convinced educators to establish an experimental French immersion program enabling their children 'to appreciate the traditions and culture of French-speaking Canadians as well as English-speaking Canadians.

O Dual language immersion programs have multiplied in the past few years from a few hundred to more than 1,000. States leading the way include California, Texas, New Mexico, New York, Washington and Illinois.

O Where there is a second language spoken in a community, region, state or country, there will be an opportunity for people to learn it through language Immersion programs.

Blix Elementary

O The Dual language program in our school begins as an Early Immersion: Students learn the Second language from age 5 or 6. This program is directed to both native English speakers and native Spanish speakers.

O Our model is 50/50 which means our students learn the Second language in the morning and English in the afternoon.

Why Dual language Immersion?

As we are living in a globalized world, bilingual education is receiving more acceptances in the

United States and other countries as well. With a new name, fresh face and increasing numbers of American families are embracing dual language

immersion.Here are five reasons why dual language immersion

programs are becoming so popular:

Why Dual language Immersion?

1. BILINGUALISM FOR ALL - Dual language immersion is an enrichment model that challenges all students to become fluent in two languages. There is no translation. Native English speakers and ELLs learn a second language together.

2. CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP: Superior SAT scores and standardized testing. ELLs become more fluent in English when they learn to read in their primary language.

3. HAPPY KIDS: It's really fun for our students because their brain gets to work with two different languages, and their tongues get to do two different sounds.

4. POSITIVE SCHOOL CULTURE: The effectiveness of dual language education extends beyond academic outcomes. The entire school community benefits when multiple languages and cultural heritages are validated and respected. Friendships bridge class and language barriers. Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries. Parents from both language groups participate more actively in schools.

5. COMPETITIVE JOBS: Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.

Will a Second Language Interfere With our students’ English Ability?

O In most cases, learning another language enhances a child's English ability. Children can learn much about English by learning the structure of other languages. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning of new words in English.

O In fact, children enrolled in foreign language programs score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. A number of reports have demonstrated that children who have learned a second language earn higher SAT scores, particularly on the verbal section of the test. One study showed that by the fifth year of an immersion program, students outperformed all comparison groups and remained high academic achievers throughout their schooling.

Questions & AnswersWeb sites:O www.wabewa.orgO YouTube videos: Dual Language

Immersion in Tacoma, WACool Links:http://wsunews.wsu.edu/pages/

publications.asp?Action=Detail&PublicationID=17167

http://www.k12.wa.us/WorldLanguages/DualImmersion.aspx