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

Paper/Best Practice Session (1 hour)

not language specific

One-Way Second/Foreign Language Immersion
Two-Way Bilingual Immersion

Pre-K
Elementary (K-5)
Middle School/Junior High

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.