Dual Language

Two-Way Immersion (TWI), recognized nationally as the most effective approach to bilingual eduction, blends native English speaking students with peers who are native in another language. With 20% of the U.S. population speaking a language other than English at home, multiples approaches to educating students with limited English profriency exist. Typically, these students are provided supplemental assistance focused on English language development. TWI differens from such apporaches in two key ways.  First, it supports bilingualism and biliteracy.  English learners become fluent in both English and their native language, typically Spanish.  Second, it supports bilingualism and biliteracy for native English speakers, as well.  Specifically English language learners are not separated from their native English classmates, but instead, all students serve as language models for one another, and this become bilingual together. As such, TWI not only prepares all student participants to be bilingual and biliterate citizens in an increasingly diverse world, it deeply respects the minitority language students' identity and family culture.  The Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS) will provide an opportunity for selected Catholic schools to adoprt a TWI approach to bilingual service delivery.

 

Goals of Two-Way Immersion Schools