TWI Bulletin Archives

TWI Bulletin #27: Special Announcement -- New Book from CAL (2/13/2007)

 

New book now available from the Center for Applied Linguistics!

 

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

by Elizabeth R. Howard & Julie Sugarman

 

Publisher: Center for Applied Linguistics and Delta Systems Co., Inc.

2007, $17.95

Two-way immersion programs are a distinctive form of dual language education in which native English speakers and speakers of another language (usually Spanish) are integrated for academic content instruction through both English and the partner language. The goals of such programs include the development of bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competence in addition to grade-level performance, and a growing body of research indicates that the model is successful in helping students to attain these goals. At the same time, however, the extent to which students achieve these outcomes varies across schools, with many TWI practitioners unsure about the approaches that are likely to yield the best outcomes.

 

Drawing on a decade of research, this book addresses this question by examining the development of bilingualism and biliteracy in elementary TWI students. Specifically, the authors highlight the importance of fostering cultures of intellectualism, equity, and leadership in order to promote bilingualism and biliteracy among two-way immersion students. These cultures are cultivated by promoting higher order thinking, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning, valuing the partner language and cultures, and encouraging initiative and leadership. Through case studies of four exemplary TWI programs, they provide evidence of how these three cultures function as organizing principles for program and classroom practices adopted by effective two-way immersion programs.

 

Realizing the Vision is an important resource for—

  • Teachers and other instructional staff in TWI programs who want to reflect on their practice
  • District and school administrators who oversee TWI programs
  • Researchers interested in the language and literacy outcomes of students in TWI programs
  • Anyone who wants to know more about effective TWI education

Order online at the CAL Store (http://calstore.cal.org).

 


This is the 27th in a series of occasional post-only mailings from the Center for Applied Linguistics, with support from the Illinois Resource Center (http://www.thecenterweb.org/irc/index.html). These messages include information about current dual language/two-way immersion news, publications, and events. If you received this bulletin in error and/or you would like to be removed from the CAL Two-Way Immersion Bulletin list, or if you received this e-mail from a colleague and want to join the list, please send an e-mail to julie@cal.org.