View Content #747
| Contentid | 747 |
|---|---|
| Content Type | 1 |
| Title | Benefiting from Dual Language Programs |
| Body | From: NCELA Benefiting from Dual Language Programs Vol. 61 (2), pp. 61-64 Wayne P. Thomas and Virginia P. Collier's article "The Multiple Benefits of Dual Language" in the October 2003 issue of Educational Leadership discusses the different kinds of dual-language programs and why these programs, if designed correctly, hold advantages for both native English speakers and English learners over traditional transitional and English-immersion programs. After listing the characteristics of effective programs, Thomas and Collier give the reasons for the growing popularity of them now as opposed to the past. Dual-language programs, they state, offer some advantages over traditional programs, such as: 1. English learners are provided with a mainstream academic curriculum that results in "full English proficiency and curricular mastery." 2. Students receive inclusive, unifying and integrated educational experiences for students as opposed to the "divisive education characteristics of traditional" programs. 3. The resulting cultural exchange expands the cultural horizons of students. 4. Native English speakers perform better academically than mainstream students. In the conclusion, they offer recommendations for education leaders, some of which are: 1. Schools using a transitional bilingual program should upgrade to a one-way or two-way dual-language program. 2. No-Child-Left-Behind data collection should be supplemented with "well-designed longitudinal comparisons of how the same students fare over time." 3. Improve in-place programs by adding features from dual-language program guidelines. 4. Teachers should receive professional development and preparation focusing on the particulars of dual-language program implementation. By implementing a dual-language program or at least some features of one, the authors conclude that schools can expect great academic improvements in both their English learners and native English speakers. To download the article (for a small fee), visit: http://www.ascd.org/publications/ed_lead/200310/abstracts.html |
| Source | Wayne P. Thomas and Virginia P. Collier |
| Inputdate | 2003-10-30 21:41:00 |
| Lastmodifieddate | 2003-10-30 21:41:00 |
| Expdate | Not set |
| Publishdate | Not set |
| Displaydate | Not set |
| Active | 1 |
| Emailed | 1 |
| Isarchived | 1 |
