APS Dual Immersion Support

Proficiency and Length of Time by Language

Linguistic distance is a concept that explores how different one language is from another. Studies have shown that this can impact the length of time it takes to become proficient in the second language. Take a look at the chart below:

Source: https://www.languagetesting.com/how-long-does-it-take

 

Article - Why the Dual Language Immersion Approach Will Change Achievement in American Public Schools

In July 2017, the American Council for International Education posted the following article on DLI: https://www.americancouncils.org/news/why-dual-language-immersion-approach-will-change-achievement-american-public-schools

Article - Dual Language Programs Benefit Disadvantaged Black Students, too

Author Natalie Gross examines the impact of dual language immersion programs on low-income schools that are largely African-American: http://hechingerreport.org/dual-language-programs-benefit-disadvantaged-black-kids-experts-say/

Article - Struggling Students & DLI

In her article, "Is Immersion Education Appropriate for All Students?", Katherine Gaffney, explores the research and the implication of dual language immersion programs for ALL learners. Click here to access the article: Download Struggling_Students

Thomas & Collier

Over the past few decades, Dr. Wayne Thomas and Dr. Ginger Collier have conducted research that illustrates the "how" and "why" of dual language immersion. Click the following links to discover more about their research.

North Carolina Study: http://gled.ncdpi.wikispaces.net/DLI+Research

NC Study Results (PowerPoint slides): Download Thomas-and-collier-published-graphs-from-nc-study

ASCD Ed Leadership article: Download ASCD Ed Leadership DLI article Thomas Collier

Books: http://www.thomasandcollier.com/publications.html

Monographs: http://www.thomasandcollier.com/major-research-monographs.html

Report: The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Programs for All: Download TWIAstounding_Effectiveness_Dual_Language_Ed

Interview with Thomas and Collier:

 

 

Bilingual People are like Brain 'Bodybuilders'

 

A 2014 study shows that people who speak two languages may have brains that are more efficient at language processing and other tasks. Brain scans showed that people who spoke only one language had to work harder to focus on a single word. Bilinguals are much better at ignoring irrelevant words.

 

Click here to view the article: http://www.livescience.com/48721-bilingual-brain-bodybuilders.html

 

Bilingual Effects in the Brain

A 2012 study found that certain brain functions are enhanced in teenagers who are fluent in more than one language. The finding provides new insight into how our senses help shape our brains.

“Bilingualism serves as enrichment for the brain and has real consequences when it comes to executive function, specifically attention and working memory.”

Click here to access the article: http://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/bilingual-effects-brain

 

Benefits of a Bilingual Brain

Check out the infographic that illustrates the benefits of a Bilingual Brain (in English and Spanish)

English: Download Splash_BilingualBrainInfographic_02.19.15 (1)

Spanish: Download BilingualBrainInfographic_Spanish