DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION IN GEORGIA
In Georgia dual language programs, the students spend at least half of their school day in the target language and the other half-day in English. Immersion students are taught Math, Science, Literacy and sometimes Social Studies in the target language. They are taught English Language Arts, Reading, and usually Specials in English. DLI students develop the ability to read, write, and communicate in their first and second languages, which prepares them for full participation in today’s interconnected and increasingly competitive global context.
The term “Dual Language Immersion Schools” might be misleading, as DLI programs typically run WITHIN a school. For example, if a school has six Kindergarten classes, it might only have two of the six classes that participate in the DLI program.
Regarding DLI immersion programs in GA, explore the current information through the Georgia Department of Education World Languages. By connecting with the Georgia DOE, educators, administrators, and parents can stay up-to-date on the ongoing initiatives pushing DLI in Georgia.
To learn more about Dual Language Immersion and take a peek inside a DLI Kindergarten classroom, watch the following video made by the Center for Advanced Research on Language Aquisition (CARLA) at the University of Minnesota or visit Annenburg Learner for French DLI instruction.
Benefits of Bilingualism
The benefits of Dual Language Immersion and bilingualism include the following:
In the past two decades, research has provided dramatic new insights into how young children acquire language, and how this affects their brain development. In fact, neuroscientists who studied images of the human brain have found that learning a second language actually increases brain density (Mechelli, Crinion, Noppeney, O’Doherty, Ashburner, Fackowiak, & Price, 2004). Young bilinguals show advanced skills in non-verbal executive control skills, inhibitory control (ability to resist a habitual response or information not relevant), working memory or updating (ability to hold information in mind and mentally manipulate it), and cognitive flexibility ability to adjust to changes in demands or priorities and switch between goals (Barac, Bialystok, Castro, & Sanchez, 2014; Kuhl, 2011). This means that dual language learners possess the kinds of skills that are increasingly critical to 21st century college and career success—thinking flexibly, focusing attention when there is conflicting information, selecting relevant over irrelevant information, and switching strategies if a solution is not forthcoming.
In light of the consistent research findings that purport multiple advantages for dual language learners, it is no surprise that the number of DLI programs is increasing exponentially across the U.S. over the past few years (Center of Applied Linguistics, 2011).
As of 2022, there are over 60 public DLI programs across Georgia in the districts below. To learn more about the current and upcoming programs in these districts, please visit the Georgia Department of Education website.
• Atlanta Public Schools
• Clarke County
• Clayton County
• Cobb County
• Dalton Public Schools
• DeKalb County
• Douglas County
• Forsyth County
• Fulton County
• Gwinnett County
• Hall County
• Marietta City Schools
• Rockdale County
• Savannah Chatham School System
• State Charter Schools
To aid educators interested in Dual Language Immersion, Georgia State University offers programs designed to accelerate your career. Whether you want to become a teacher or enhance your skills in the field, the programs below aim to help you grow as a leading Dual Language Immersion educator.
Interested in Becoming a DLI Teacher?
Georgia State now has a state-approved Dual Immersion Early Childhood Education Endorsement program.
The Dual Immersion Early Childhood Education Endorsement program in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE) at Georgia State engages students in comprehensive exploration, research, and practice in elementary Dual Immersion education. This program offers a master’s degree and it is designed for educators who are currently teaching or working in an early childhood/elementary setting.
To be admitted to the endorsement program, students must be enrolled in a foreign language certification program (undergraduate) or hold an active level 4 or above professional teaching certificate or license in foreign language education (post-graduate). This endorsement qualifies successful candidates to teach in a K-5 Dual Immersion program.
For more information on this program, please explore the program website.
Already a DLI Teacher?
Enhance your knowledge and skills by earning a Masters Degree in Elementary Education with a Dual Language Concentration at Georgia State.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Elementary Education is a graduate degree designed for teachers who wish to pursue advanced preparation in a specific area at the elementary level, including K-5 mathematics, teacher support and coaching (TSC), reading, K-5 science and STEM endorsements. It is also possible to complete the M.Ed. with a concentration in Dual Language Education.
For more information on this program, please explore the program website.