Two-way immersion programs integrate language minority students (English learners) and language majority students (English speakers) in order to develop their bilingualism and biliteracy in English and another language. In two-way programs, the model selected generally prescribes the amount of time spent in the target (non English) language.
There are two common program models:
- 50/50 Model: Both English and the target language are used 50 percent of the time during the entire program.
- 90/10 Model: English is used for a minimum of ten percent of the time beginning in kindergarten, and the percentage increases annually until both English and the target language are used equally.
In both models, instruction is delivered in and through the two languages, however, only one language at a time is used for instruction. Two-way immersion programs combine a maintenance bilingual education with a foreign language immersion model and minimally last from five to seven years.
Goals
Bilingualism
High levels of proficiency in English and a second language. All participants will demonstrate oral proficiency in their first and a second language.
Biliteracy
High levels of academic proficiency in English and a second language. All participants will demonstrate their ability to perform on grade level in English on the same tests and standards as all students as well as in the target language.
Multicultural proficiency
Understanding of different cultures and development of high self-esteem. All participants will demonstrate their ability to appreciate the values of other cultures in our society.
These goals are described in the publication by Kathryn Lindholm-Leary, Ph.D in Biliteracy for a Global Society: An Idea Book On Dual Language Education, (2000) Washington, D.C.: National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education.
