Immersion learning

School Administrator, Nov, 2004

Two-way immersion education programs are effective for both English language learners and native English speakers, according to a new study administered through the Center for Research on Education, Diversity and Excellence.

"The Development of Bilingualism and Biliteracy from Grade 3 to 5" provides findings from a longitudinal study of language and literacy development. The research shows that by the end of grade 5 both groups had made steady progress in both languages.

The language minority students and English learners scored nearly on par with native English speakers on each English measure. Native English speakers scored highly on both the Spanish oral and writing measures taken in grade 5.

The report focuses on student outcomes. This component spanned a three-year period, following 474 students in 11 programs nationwide. Students were tested in speaking, reading and writing, and growth patterns were compared across language groups.

For more information, visit www.cal. org/twi.