Provo.edu
Dual Language Immersion
The Dual Language Immersion Program offered in Provo School District is available in Mandarin Chinese, French and Spanish. Students will begin in first grade; each year the next grade will be added so students will have the opportunity to participate through sixth grade. Students will spend one-half of their school day learning in the target language and the other half learning in English. Integrated thematic instruction will be provided in all subjects - math, science, social studies, music, physical education and art. The target language will be the medium for content instruction rather than the subject of instruction.
Why Immersion?
More than 40 years of research consistently documents the power of immersion programs to help students attain high levels of second language proficiency. No other type of instruction, short of living in a second-language environment, is as successful. Young children especially thrive in this type of instructional environment. Studies consistently show this type of program that exposes a student to another language early in his or her education increases memory and concentration, problem solving skills, and a provides a greater understanding of their primary language. Happily, language immersion is also the least expensive way to deliver second language instruction.
Program Objectives
- Maximize students’ second language proficiency
- Provide a rich, academic environment in both first and second language
- Develop students’ ability to work successfully in multiple cultural settings
- Offer a culturally diverse experience for the entire school community
Proven Benefits
- Students achieve high proficiency in immersion language
- Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English.
- Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior problem solving skills as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
- Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
- Immersion students are better prepared for the global community and job markets where a second language is an asset.
What to Expect in a Dual Language Immersion Program
Dual language immersion offers a valuable bilingual experience for young learners when their minds are developmentally best able to acquire a second language. Instruction is divided between two high quality, creative classrooms: one in English and one in the target language. Students enjoy the advantage of two caring, qualified teachers. The English-speaking teacher uses half of the instruction time to teach science and English language arts (reading, writing, and spelling). The target language speaking teacher uses the other half of the day to teach math, social studies, and health topics from the grade–appropriate level of the Utah State Office of Education core curriculum.
The language teacher speaks only in the target language and communicates using a range of engaging strategies including pictures, songs, games, body language, expressions, pantomime, drama, etc. Children at this age are adept at picking up language in meaningful contexts. After a brief period at the beginning of the year, students too will speak only target language during that half of the class.
You’ll be delighted how quickly your child becomes comfortable and competent in speaking another language.
Parent Responsibilities
- Commit to long–term participation in immersion program
- Develop understanding of immersion education
- Read with your child (in English) 20-30 minutes daily
- Encourage the use of Chinese outside of school
- Provide community support and, when possible, volunteer
- Enjoy the challenges; celebrate the results
Who Can Participate
The immersion program seeks to enroll students of varying backgrounds and all abilities. Applications are open to all students entering kindergarten and first grade. However, it may not be a wise choice for children experiencing communication delays in their primary language.
How to Enroll
Application information for 2010-2011 is available on this web page and schools with immersion programs will also have copies of the application available to pick up in their offices. The applications will need to be submitted to the school the student wishes to attend. If your child is not already enrolled in the school where you are applying, their Open Enrollment Forms need to have been submitted to the Student Services Office at Provo School District (280 West 940 North) to be considered for this program. The following schools will be accepting applications for first grade students into the Dual Immersion program:
| Language | School | Date of Information Meeting | Grade Level for New Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Wasatch Elementary
1080 N. 900 E. Provo, UT 84601 Phone: (801) 374-4910 Fax: (801) 374-4912 |
To be announced
|
1st grade |
| French | Edgemont Elementary 566 E. 3650 N. Provo, UT 84604 Phone: (801) 221-9984 Fax: (801) 221-9987 |
To be announced | 1st grade |
| Spanish | Canyon Crest Elementary
4664 N. Canyon Rd. Provo, UT 84604 Phone: (801) 221-9873 Fax: (801) 221-9989 |
To be announced | 1st grade |
| Spanish | Timpanogos Elementary 449 N. 500 W. Provo, UT 84601 Phone: (801) 374-4955 Fax: (801) 374-4958 |
To be announced | Kindergarten and 1st grade |
For complete facts on Dual Language Immersion schools, including the selection process, program model, and important dates, please select the following link:
Dual Language Immersion Program - Information Flyers:
Dual Language Immersion Program Application Forms:
Research
- Thomas/Collier Research - Final Report
- Thomas/Collier Research - Original Report
- Thomas/Collier National Study - Full Report
- TWI Student's Attitudes/College
- TWI Teachers Talk
- TESOL Position Statement
- Program Model Effectiveness
- Title III Model Program
- IRA Position Statement
Related Links
