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Sixth International Conference on Immersion and Dual Language Education: Connecting Research and Practice Across Contexts

del 20 al 22 de October del 2016

Hyatt Regency Hotel, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Build it Better: Three Critical Strategies for Building a Quality Dual Language Immersion Program

sábado, el 22 de octubre de 2016 a las 13:45–14:45 CDT
Greenway Ballroom C
Session Type

Paper/Best Practice Session (1 hour)

Immersion/Partner Language(s)

not language specific

Context/program model
One-Way Second/Foreign Language Immersion
Two-Way Bilingual Immersion
Level
Pre-K
Elementary (K-5)
Middle School/Junior High
Program Summary

Why do some immersion programs flourish while others flounder? Where should administrators invest their limited time and energy? How should school context influence program model decisions? Answer these questions and more as we explore three strategic considerations for building and sustaining a quality dual language program.

Abstract/Description for Paper, Discussion, and Laptop Poster presentations

Why do some immersion programs flourish while others flounder? Where should administrators invest their limited time and energy? How should school context influence program model decisions? This paper will answer these questions and more as we explore three strategic considerations for building and sustaining a quality dual language program.

  1. Start strong by ensuring stakeholders (including current instructional staff, parents, and community members) own a common vision for dual language immersion education through consistent messaging and deliberate education. The practical tools we will share include a new partner pathway which outlines: defining roles in decision making process; hosting community forums; and conducting surveys to gauge interest and initial sustainability.

  1. Build an all-star team by preparing necessary tools and policies to hire and retain the best talent for the dual language immersion program. We consider the unique skillset (licensing, dli pedagogical training and language proficiency) required of immersion teachers and discuss strategies for finding and hiring them. The topics we will highlight include: thinking “outside of the box” to locate qualified teachers; evaluating applicants; compensating / rewarding qualified teachers; and investing in relevant professional development.

  2. Define and pursue quality to sustain an immersion program by identifying and promulgating the benchmarks that matter -- growth in instructional practices, and growth in students. We will explore the practical ways for measuring student growth in L1 and L2. Additionally, we will outline four main areas for professional development to ensure fidelity to the model and deep understanding of dual language immersion pedagogy.

Lead Presenter/organizer

Lilah Ambrosi, add.a.lingua
Role/Title

Co-founder

State (in US) or Country

MI

Co-Presenters

Chris Marlink, add.a.lingua
Role/Title

director of strategic impact

State (in US) or Country

MI

Materiales de la sesión

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