Seventh International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education

Strand II: Advocacy & Policy

not language specific

This exploratory case study on why three districts in North Carolina decided to add a dual language/immersion program (DL/I) examined who led the decision, how traditional policymakers (such as local school board members or administrative staff) and other stakeholders were involved, and what factors most influenced the decision itself.  The focus of the presentation will be on the results of the study and the trends that have emerged as the factors that were most important in the decision, including a global education for the 21st century, school choice options for families, and student achievement results from other studies that show DL/I programs can close the achievement gap.  The results also detail how the districts are evaluating the DL/I programs as they grow K-12, and what the future holds for the students and the programs.