The rising demand for dual-language immersion (DLI) programs, which offer core instruction in two languages from early grades onward, has raised questions about program design and access. We leverage the rapid expansion of DLI schools across the U.S. state of Utah to estimate effects of DLI program availability on the academic achievement of…

Research is mixed about which program approaches are most effective, but researchers agree that English learners (ELs) perform better academically and achieve greater language proficiency when they have some type of English language instruction. Program approaches vary widely, but the most common types include: (1) English as a Second Language:…

This article investigates the differences in academic achievement trajectories from elementary through middle school among English Learner (EL) students in four different instructional programs: English Immersion (EI), Transitional Bilingual (TB), Developmental Bilingual (DB), and Dual Immersion (DI). Comparing students with the same parental…

This paper investigates the differences in academic achievement trajectories from elementary through middle school among English Learner students in four different instructional programs: English Immersion, Transitional Bilingual, Developmental Bilingual, and Dual Immersion programs. Comparing students with the same parental preferences but who…

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Education on the effectiveness of bilingual education programs reflects numerous issues that are at the very core of bilingual education. Two of these issues and their implications are discussed: the purpose of bilingual education and the nature of bilingual education programs. (Author/NQA)

Two-way language development programs are full-time programs that use two languages, one of which is English, for the purpose of instruction. Ideally, these programs are composed of elementary or secondary students half of whom are native speakers of English and the other half of whom are native speakers of the other language of instruction.…

The characteristics of Canadian language immersion, bilingual education, and modified immersion programs are described, and their characteristics are compared with research findings on the characteristics of effective dual language programs. The information provided is intended to assist policymakers, educators, and community leaders in making…

This study, undertaken from 1983-84 through 1988-89, compared the relative effectiveness of two alternative programs (structured English immersion and late-exit transitional bilingual education) with that of the program typically funded through the Bilingual Education Act, the early-exit transitional bilingual education program. The…

Existing programs using language immersion strategies for teaching language-minority children in the United States are described. In those programs, instruction is conducted in English at a level understood by the limited-English-speaking students, the teacher is bilingual in the non-English home language, the teacher generally speaks only in…

Results of a National Research Council review of two major bilingual education studies are presented. The two studies were a national longitudinal study of the effectiveness of instruction of limited-English-proficient students and a study comparing three bilingual education program types (immersion, early exit, and late exit). The report contains…

This glossary defines terms commonly used in second language education, including the subfields of foreign language education, bilingual education, and English as a second language. Its purpose is to minimize confusion about the use of the terms. The terms include: language/linguistic majority student; language/linguistic minority student; limited…

The evolution and evaluation of an elementary level structured immersion program in English as a second language are described. The program provides all academic instruction in English, but at a level that students can understand. It is ungraded, uses bilingual teachers who speak the students' native language, and has both developmental and direct…

The academic achievement of limited-English-speaking (LEP) students has long been a major national educational concern. This digest focuses on: (1) factors that promote or inhibit academic achievement in a second language; (2) the length of time needed for LEP students to achieve at comparable levels in school with their native English-speaking…

The directory gives information on all preschool through high school bilingual immersion programs, also called two-way bilingual education programs, in the United States that have been identified as being in operation in 1987. The first section discusses the definition of and rationale for bilingual immersion education. The second section profiles…

This collection of 16 studies examines the wide variety of issues surrounding bilingual education and reviews program design, evaluation, and classroom strategies. The following chapters review the 20-year history of bilingual education and concomitant political issues: (1) "Bilingual Education: Issues and Perspectives" (A. M. Padilla);…