Language immersion is an educational approach in which students are taught the curriculum content through the medium of a second language. In this way, immersion students not only learn the content, but also gain knowledge of the language in which it is taught.
- In total immersion programs, children learn their entire core subjects (reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science) in the second language.
- Partial immersion or 50/50 programs are based on the same principle, but half the day's instruction is in the target language and the other half is in English.
- Jordan School District immersion programs are all 50/50 programs.
- Jordan School District immersion programs either use the ONE-WAY model or the TWO-WAY model.
- One-way immersion programs are created for language majority students wishing to learn another language.
- Two-way immersion programs match native English speakers with native speakers of another language and are integrated for academic content instruction through both languages.
The main difference between an immersion setting and a foreign language class is the approach to second language learning. In an immersion program, language is a method for teaching the content rather than the subject of instruction.
Participation in the Utah Dual Language Immersion program is considered to be a comprehensive educational experience. Beginning in the first grade, paired English and target language teachers collaborate to support student mastery of both the core content standards and target language skills in a full day program. It is our expectation that students who participate in the Utah Dual Language Immersion program participate fully in the school academic day and its prescribed instructional design.
How are students chosen for a Dual Language Immersion program?
- In order for a child to be accepted into a dual language immersion program, parents must first complete and submit an application and commitment form for the desired program by the due date.
- Applications and commitment forms can be picked up at local schools or printed off on line, then delivered to respective local schools.
- Once an application and commitment form has been received, students are randomly selected for a dual immersion program based upon the following criteria:
- Priority is given to students who live within the school boundaries.
- If there is room in the program for additional students after boundary students have been accepted, students living outside the school boundaries within the district will be accepted, but there will be no busing available for out-of-boundary students.
- After meeting the above considerations, students living outside district boundaries will be accepted, but there will be no busing available for out-of-boundary students.
When should parents submit students' applications for a Dual Language Immersion program?
- An application must be submitted by February 21, 2020, before the student enters 1st grade.
- There is no waiting list for the initial application; however, if a student is not randomly selected, that student's name may be placed on a waiting list until the beginning of the school year.
Where can parents learn more about the Dual Language Immersion programs?
- Individual meetings have been scheduled at all Dual Language Immersion schools where parents will receive detailed information and will have the opportunity to ask questions.
- School websites may provide additional information for that school's program.
Jordan School District Dual Language Immersion Guidelines
- The goal of the Dual Language Immersion program as defined by USBE is to create a K-12 language roadmap for Utah to address the needs for language skills in business, government, and education. Jordan School District supports this goal and works to create an environment where students can participate in the benefits of learning a second language.
In addition to the USBE Dual Language Immersion assurances and criteria, the following guideline will be used to make decisions as needed.
In the event that a student decides to withdraw from the Dual Language Immersion program, they would not be eligible to return to the program at a later date.
Teacher Qualifications
Utah Teaching License:
- English Teachers are required to have an Elementary Utah Teaching License.
- Target Language Teachers (Chinese, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) are required to have an Elementary or Secondary Utah Teaching License, or be accepted into the Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) program.
- Guest Target Language Teachers are required to have a Utah International Guest Teaching License
Endorsements:
- English Teachers are strongly recommended to have an English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement in two-way Dual Language Immersion programs.
- Target Language Teachers are required to have both World Language Endorsement in the immersion language and a Dual Language Immersion Endorsement.
Praxis Information: