Two-way language development programs are full-time programs that use two languages, one of which is English, for the purpose of instruction. Ideally, these programs are composed of elementary or secondary students half of whom are native speakers of English and the other half of whom are native speakers of the other language of instruction.…

The characteristics of Canadian language immersion, bilingual education, and modified immersion programs are described, and their characteristics are compared with research findings on the characteristics of effective dual language programs. The information provided is intended to assist policymakers, educators, and community leaders in making…

This study attempts to do the following things: (1) to identify values and assumptions as they influence research on bilingual education; (2) to identify and delineate the major theories employed in explaining and predicting phenomena in bilingual education; and (3) to explore alternative explanations of identical phenomena, and to show that…

A review of the history of French immersion programs since their inception 15 years ago. The following topics are also addressed: a review of the findings of immersion research, new directions with regard to other forms of language teaching, quality of second language development, future research and teacher training. (AMH)

An overview of the program in grades 4-6. The objectives, particularly those concerning affective and psycho-motor development and communication, the role of the teacher, the division of time, and the subjects taught in English are discussed. Reasons for this kind of program organization are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A brief description of a one-year immersion program occurring between elementary and secondary schools in the Chateauguay, Quebec, school district. The academic content, objectives, problems and results of the program and a plan for articulation with secondary schools are described. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

The implications of the new Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for developing second language programs in Edmonton, Alberta, are explored. Immersion programs and ethnic survival programs are examined in depth. (BS)

Research is presented in support of the theory that early French immersion of English-speaking children leads to bilingualism. The evidence is limited to children through the end of grade four. Comments and criticisms are made by three guest analysts. (RM)

What do parents, administrators, teachers and trustees really think about immersion programs? (Editor)

Proving that project work can be done with young children who are schooled in a full-immersion program in a second language, this article describes a study of bones undertaken by 5-year-old children in a bilingual school in Mexico City. The article discusses the process and shows the results achieved by the children during the three phases of the…

Education policies of the European Commission and the Council of Europe stress the importance of cultural and language diversity. A white book by the European Commission on education and training recommends that every European citizen be able to communicate in at least 3 of the 12 officially recognized languages of the European Union by the end of…

Two frequently made claims about French immersion programs in Canada are analyzed: (1) the planning and implementation of such programs is adequate as practiced to satisfy participants within the program; and (2) resulting improvements in French learning are likely to achieve federal policymakers' goals of ameliorating animosities between…

There is more to French immersion programs in Canada than social class analysis. Program success is determined not by social class per se, but by use of appropriate strategies, staff, resources, and curriculum implementation. (CJ)

Describes the remarkable expansion of French immersion programs in Canada during the last fifteen years, stating that this "quiet revolution" of bilingualism among English-speaking Canadians has occurred in spite of various administrative, financial, pedagogical, and sociopolitical problems. Emphasizes that improvement is still needed in…

Proposes a model of immersion strategy based on an emphasis on communication and on the use of a great variety of teaching techniques. (AM)