Two-Way Immersion

Two-way immersion is a distinctive form of dual language education in which native English speakers and native speakers of another language are integrated for academic content instruction through both English and the partner language.

The structure of these programs varies, but they all integrate the two groups of students for most instruction and provide at least 50% of instruction in the partner language at all grade levels. They begin in the primary grades and extend five to seven years, optimally Grades K-12.

Two-way immersion (TWI) programs strive to promote bilingualism and biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors in all students.


What's New?

Four New FAQs Added
CAL has compiled answers to frequently asked questions about dual language/two-way immersion programs, professional development, and other topics of interest to those in the field. We have recently added four new questions to our collection:

  1. What is the difference between two-way immersion and dual language?
  2. What additional costs do TWI programs incur compared to mainstream programs?
  3. What are the duties of a TWI coordinator?
  4. What are some effective ways to involve parents as strategic partners in a TWI program?

 

TWI Bulletin Logo
You can now sign up online to receive CAL's TWI Bulletin with updates on TWI and dual language news, publications, and events. Click here to sign up online.

 

Resources for Spanish Language Arts Standards and Benchmarks
Links to reference tools for program staff designing Spanish language arts standards, benchmarks or a scope and sequence for their program.

 

Language of Initial Literacy Instruction in Two-Way Immersion Programs
PowerPoint presentation on the use of the partner language, both languages, or native language for initial literacy instruction


Learn More About TWI

Two-Way Immersion: The Basics/Conceptos Básicos Sobre la Educación Bilingüe de Inmersión Recíproca

Flyer in English

Folleto en español

 

Two-Way Immersion 101/La Educación Bilingüe de Inmersión Recíproca

Report in English

Informe en español

 

Frequently Asked Questions about TWI

In The Spotlight

Guiding Principles

The second edition of the Guiding Principles is available online or for purchase. Learn More.

Featured Resources

Research Report

Urgent Research Questions and Issues in Dual Language Education -NEW-

Read report online or purchase a hard copy from DLENM.

 

Publication Cover

Realizing the Vision
of Two-Way Immersion: Fostering Effective Programs and Classrooms

by Elizabeth R. Howard and Julie Sugarman

 

National Dual Language Consortium

Visit the NDLC Web site.

 

Literature Review

Read "Trends in Two-Way Immersion Education: A Review of the Research."

 

Thomas & Collier Research

Read "A National Study of School Effectiveness for Language Minority Students' Long-Term Academic Achievement."