Two-Way Immersion

1. What Is Two-Way Immersion?

Two-Way Immersion is a type of dual language education in which two languages are used for instruction: English and a partner language. TWI programs use a variety of models, but they all provide instruction in the partner language for a significant portion of the school day (at least 50% taught in the partner language).

The unique feature of this type of dual language instruction is that TWI programs enroll approximately equal numbers of native English speakers and native speakers of the partner language. These two groups of students have integrated instruction for all or most of the school day. (www.cal.org/twi/FAQ/faq1.htm)

2. Where can I find current research related to TWI programs?

a. Association of Two-Way And Dual Language Education (ATDLE). http://www.atdle.org
b.  Review work done by Dr. Maria Brisk, Dr. Erica deJong, Dr. Eugene Garcia, Dr. Martin Scanlan, Dr. Patrick Proctor, and Dr. Francesca Lopez, including resources noted on the following Selected Biblopgraphy of Two-Way Immersion Research.
c. To understand the difference between Dual Language and Two-Way Immersion see:  http://www.cal.org/twi/FAQ/faq19.htm
d. Catholic Education: A Journal of Inquiry and Practice, available free on-line at http://ejournals.bc.edu/ojs/index.php/catholic

Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS)

3.  What is the Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools?

TWIN-CS is a cohort of 10-12 schools selected to receive training and design support to build two-way immersion programs in their schools over the next two to three years.  The work of TWIN-CS will be led by Innovation Institute faculty and practitioner experts who will guide the design and implementation of the TWI model best suited for each participating school’s community.

4. Why is the TWIN-CS only open to elementary schools?

Most viable TWI schools are elementary. According to the Center for Applied Linguistics, four in five (80%) TWI schools nationally are elementary (http://www.cal.org/twi/directory/index.html). Thus, TWIN-CS is starting with this level for a successful build of the program from the youngest elementary grade.

5. Where can I find more information?

Visit www.bc.edu/innovationinstitute for updates.

School Selection and Costs

6. What is the criteria for selection into TWIN-CS?

The minimum requirements are:

    -  Catholic schools recognized by the Bishop
    -  Schools offering grades K-3
    -  Schools serving a diverse population, where at least 1/3 of the
       student population speak the same non-English language

7. Is school enrollment a consideration in the selection process?

Yes, school enrollment is in indicator of viability and school viability is an important consideration in the selection of candidates for TWIN-CS. School size is one variable in assessing school viability (James, Tichy, Collins, & Schwob, 2008).

8. How many members constitute a school team?

Selected schools are expected to send 4-5 school members to Boston College for a week of training in June of 2013. The TWIN-CS design team is working on the architecture for the training. Teams should represent the instructional leadership of the school, as well as the governance leadership. Teams must be a minimum of 3 and ideally 4-5 people.

9. What will it cost to participate in the TWIN-CS?

Each school will contribute a nominal fee of $1,250 per team to participate in the summer training, which will be held June 23 - June 27, 2013.  Teams will pay their travel expenses for this training.  Schools will also be responsible for costs associated with the implementation of the program at the school level.

10. Are Catholic schools eligible to use Title II funds for
transportation and other expenses related to their participation in
the TWIN-CS?

Yes, schools with access to Title II funds may apply to use these funds for this training.

11. Will selected schools receive support after the June 2013 training
at Boston College?

Yes, during the 2013 – 2014 academic year the TWIN-CS schools will receive ongoing support from regional coaches/mentors. They will participate in monthly webinars and professional cohort conferences with all TWIN-CS schools to facilitate ongoing learning from one another. School teams will be coached to amend their design, implement and assess the program model, and then in year three, re-design, re-implement and re-assess their work. Teams will work with researchers from the Innovation Institute and design team faculty from the summer program.  Teams will be members of a network and will work to support one another on an ongoing basis.

12. Does my entire faculty have to be bilingual for my school to be a
part of the initiative?

No. In a TWI school, at least half of the time is spent in the target language (e.g., Spanish), and often younger students (in grades K – 3) spend more than 50% of their time immersed in the target language. In time, once the TWI program is fully operational and integrated, at least half the teachers will become fluent in the target language