Letter: Defending Two-Way Immersion Programs

In response to Jorge Amselle’s comments on my article (“Two-Way Programs for Bilingual Success” ALR, July/August, 1999) I would like to clarify that dual immersion programs are strictly voluntary. As an employee of an agency named the Center for Equal Opportunity, Mr. Amselle should appreciate that parents have the opportunity to choose this popular and successful program. Parents who choose to have their children participate in the program do so because the children are performing at successful academic levels and learning both languages. Our most recent data, as well as recognized research, confirms this.

In 1997, Wayne P. Thomas and Virginia P. Collier found in their longitudinal studies that language minority student achievement on standardized tests in English reading not only caught up to, but outscored the average performance of native-English speakers. The Ramirez Study (1991) demonstrated that teaching students in their primary language doesn’t hinder or delay the acquisition of English.Two-Way Immersion Programs are designed to allow students to become language role models for their language learning peers. Students see themselves as experts in their native language. Subsequently, self-esteem is boosted and social bonds are formed across language groups.

Despite the fact that dual language programs begin with the bulk of instruction in the minority
language, I have observed that English tends to be the informal language between the students on the playground and even in the classroom. As a result, there is ample opportunity for students to use and develop English in addition to the English Language Development program.

Parents who choose Two-Way Bilingual Immersion programs realize that bilingualism will be a highly marketable skill for their children when they enter the competitive global marketplace. Since these programs are programs of choice, accountability is built in by way of parent satisfaction. It is unfortunate that a person representing an organization with its political
agenda would choose to attempt to discredit a program so strongly supported by parents, educators and data.

Sincerely,
Cathy Marziali Multilingual Programs Manager,
Laton USD, California