English/Spanish Dual Immersion Elementary School Programs Factors to Consider
Graduation Date
Spring 2012
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madeliene Peters, EdD
Abstract
Some families, parents and children included, may not be fully prepared or aware as they enter into the commitment of a dual-immersion language elementary education experience. One factor crucial for a dual-immersion program to meet its objectives, parents and students must commit to a minimum of five to six years of their elementary education to the program. The purpose of my research is to describe the elements that contribute to the development of a successful bilingual school program for young children.
The principal of a dual immersion elementary school participated in an interview about her views on the elements that make her program, her school successful. Findings mirrored the research literature. Establishment of a strong partnership between parents, teachers and administrators provides a solid foundation that fosters student success. Quality professional development and a committed teaching staff further support the mission of the school which is ultimately to graduate students who are bilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural. The program must be academically rigorous and committed to sticking to the model selected whether the model is referred to as 90/10, 50/50 or a differentiated approach.