How to Form a Dual-Language
Immersion Program in 8 Steps
Step 1
Build your case for a Dual-Language Immersion
The first thing you’ll need to do is create a strong case highlighting the advantages and need for a DLI program.
Locate under-enrolled school sites that could host the program, and outline the benefits of DLI.
Step 2
Pitch Dual-Language Immersion to stakeholders
Then, to enroll allies and get a green light for the program, you’ll need to present your case.
Form a team to champion DLI.
Inspire parent support.
Contact potential parents and create enthusiasm for a DLI program
Identify least 18-30 possible Kindergarten families to start in the opening year
Create excitement at potential school site.
Collect data to align with the identified school's mission, potential and needs
Seek out the support of the principal, teachers, parent leadership
Connect with school district leadership.
Find the names of superintendents, school board members, and district world language / intercultural specialists
Present your case in favor of bilingual education and evidence demonstrating community interest
Enlist the cultural services of the embassy (ies) of target language for added support.
Step 3
Set up the Dual-Language Immersion program at the district level
Designate a group of leaders to shepard the program
The group should be made up of principals, teachers, district leaders, parents, and community stakeholders
Outline the framework, principles, mission and vision statements that will guide the program.
Create the program.
Decide which language(s) will be taught
Pick the program model that will be used
Provide a clear advancement pathway for students in the program
Dedicate staff leadership to shepherd and be accountable for the program.
Select person with background tailored for in this position
Needs knowledge of dual-language pedagogy and curricula
Has first-hand experience teaching in a dual-language classroom
Construct an effective process for continual program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Incorporate ongoing professional development for teachers and staff.
Communicate program outcomes to stakeholders.
Step 4
Consider financial needs
Take into account an estimated $300,000 is needed to start a new dual-language program
Consider that, annually in Portland, the district spends about 2% to 4% more per-pupil to covers needs specific to its immersion program
Providing specialized development to qualified staff
Assisting human resources in recruiting and hiring of certified teachers
Supporting the curriculum department to provide compatible curriculum in the target language
Look at budgets of other DLI programs (Utah and Portland budget about $100 more per student)
Obtaining materials in the non-English languages is slightly more expensive
Shipping items to the United States comes at a cost
Fund program adequately to meet established goals
Apply for grants
Build relationships with foreign embassies/consulates of target language countries
Step 5
Formulate target and English language curricula
Review other programs and research.
Complete and update curricula in English and the target language(s) based on bilingual learning and general education research.
Make sure the curriculum in both languages of instruction meets or exceeds district, state, or national standards
Integrate sociocultural learning into the design of the program
Get materials needed.
Acquire literature in both languages
Purchase visual and instructional materials in both languages
Supply whatever the school and district deem necessary to teach both languages using the best methods possible, including instructional technology
Determine means of evaluation.
Include intervention for students falling behind in the target language.
Step 6
Build a target language faculty
Hire qualified teachers.
Establish dual-language teaching teams to foster support and collaboration.
Share instructional practices
Create curricula common assessments and writing rubrics
Plan cultural events and experiences
Provide ongoing dual-language professional development.
Create teacher recruitment and retention plan.
Design a strategy to handle any shortage of bilingual teachers.
Step 7
Admit 50% target language and 50% English speaking students
Learn about target language culture(s) to understand the needs and concerns of families.
Recruit in communities where target language(s) are spoken.
Engage with parents to get buy-in and reach 50/50 population enrollment.
If possible, start with 2 classes to accommodate for attrition down the line.
Step 8
Strengthen Program Through Parent Education
Involve families as strategic partners.
Give parents guidance on how to support their children in the dual-language learning environment.
Survey parents to determine their needs and concerns.
Hold meetings to train and educate parents on how they can best assist their children.
Discuss long-term value of being bilingual education to maintain robust enrollment and excitement through the upper grades.
Leverage enthusiasm to create a strong fundraising and volunteer base.
Incorporate ongoing learning activities designed to help families understand, support, and advocate for the program.