This volume builds on Fortune and Tedick's 2008 Pathways to Multilingualism: Evolving Perspectives on Immersion Education and showcases the practice and promise of immersion education through in-depth investigations of program design, implementation practices, and policies in one-way, two-way and indigenous programs. Contributors present new…

Describes immersion education as practiced in Canada, outlining immersion programs' background, structure, methodology, and outcomes. Suggests that, to achieve the outcomes of immersion education developed for majority language groups, some minority language groups may require programs beginning in the first language and continuing in both the…

Conceptual guidelines for the design of new secondary school French second language programs are outlined, in response to the need for an instructional model to accommodate Alberta's increasing anglophone enrollment in French immersion programs. The first section chronicles the evolution of the concept of language and second language instructional…

The history of French immersion instruction in Canada is reviewed, and the literature relating to that history is examined. The first chapter offers three distinct perspectives on the emergence of French immersion: (1) chronological; (2) phenomenological and pragmatic; and (3) methodological and pedagogic. Also in the first chapter, the immersion…

This teacher's guide to the Milwaukee Public Schools' Multi-Language School (foreign language immersion program) begins with a brief general description and rationale of the program. Previous experience with immersion programs at other schools is cited to answer the question, "What effect does a second language 'immersion' program have on…

A discussion of French foreign language instruction in the elementary schools (FLES) in the United States looks at the rationale behind and proliferation of FLES programs and the diversity of program models, including exploratory, traditional second language, and immersion. (MSE)

What do parents, administrators, teachers and trustees really think about immersion programs? (Editor)

The relational roles of the consultant, principal, and classroom teacher in Canada's core, extended, and immersion French programs are examined. Discussion focuses on the relationship between professional practice and instructional substantiveness, and it is argued that isolated and uncoordinated professional practice is counterproductive. (32…

Results of a large-scale evaluation of early and middle immersion programs in the Toronto (Ontario) area, involving 4 districts and 26 grade 8 classes, suggest that middle immersion yields less consistent performance levels than early immersion. Overall, findings favor early immersion. (11 references) (Author/MSE)

Describes a regional effort in Northern California to provide high quality French instruction for kindergarten through sixth grade in cooperation with the public schools. The role of the National French Contest as motivation and as a learning experience for the students is also discussed. (MSE)

Describes the use of illuminative techniques in the formative evaluation of a sheltered immersion project in Geneva, Switzerland. Interviews and questionnaires with students and teachers were used in subsequent teacher workshops. This process resulted in positive feedback from the principal and the teachers involved in this project. (Contains six…

The results of an evaluation of a New Brunswick elementary school immersion program show that native speakers of English do not achieve the same proficiency in French language skills as they do in English. This is due to their limited exposure to native French speaking models outside the classroom. (MSE)

Research on multilingualism and learning of additional languages is reviewed, focusing on research on minority language children in immersion and double-immersion programs and the factors related to success. Early partial immersion is seen as more feasible than full immersion for this group, with middle immersion the best option yet researched.…

Important features of practicums for teachers of elementary school language immersion programs include: mentoring and peer coaching; guidance in self-analysis, observation, and reflection on teaching practices; and experience with realities of immersion. A period of induction beyond the practicum is also recommended. (19 references) (MSE)

The directory lists French immersion programs at the elementary and secondary school levels in each province and territory of Canada. They are arranged alphabetically by province or territory, then by city or town within those categories. Data pertain to the 1995-96 school year. Information provided for each region includes general information on…