Meet Parental Demand
Parental demand for dual language programs in DC far exceeds the supply of these programs. The 2017-18 waitlist results published by DC Public Charter School Board show that out of the six elementary schools with the longest waitlist, five are dual language schools, with Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS leading the pack with 1,600 children on the waitlist. [The numbers for DC Public Schools are harder to interpret but show a somewhat similar trend.]
This means best case scenario 1600, worst case scenario 10,000 frustrated families. While we do not know how these families are spread across the District (see our research on demand for dual language programs) and are working to increase access to information and research about these programs by communities across the District, we do know that:
FACTS
- access to dual language programs is geographically inequitable
- only 8% of DC students are currently in a dual language program
- communities in all eight wards of the city are advocating for more dual language programs in their neighborhoods
- in communities where English only and dual language programs are both available within one school, dual language programs have twice as long a waitlist
- introducing a dual language program in a neighborhood school which previously did not have a waitlist, creates a waitlist
There are many reason DC parents value dual language programs. The reasons that are given to us in surveys revolve around greater opportunity and empathy for other cultures. By meeting DC parents’ demand for dual language programs, the District would end up with a better prepared workforce, more empathetic communities and less frustrated residents. What’s not to love?
“Quiero que todos los niños en nuestro país puedan tener las mismas oportunidades”
The Economic Imperative of Bilingual Education
The Atlantic explores why states are aggressively pushing for immersion programs. "The jobs expected to grow most in the next 10 years are heavily related to languages—hospitality, tourism, marketing, and healthcare,” DC Immersion is quoted as saying “There needs to...
“Language learning should be among our highest educational priorities in the 21st century,” American Academy President Jonathan Fanton
Bipartisan call for First National Study on Language Learning In calling for the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’s study, the members of Congress emphasized that American society is increasingly multilingual, Americans are more engaged around the globe than ever...
Systemic Expansion of Immersion Programs
Current immersion programs are in overwhelming demand, touch only 1/3 of English Language Learners and are not accessible to most Ward 7 and 8 families. Let's go one step further in making every DC school great by expanding immersion programs throughout the District....
Join the Conversation
Do you share the vision and mission of DC Language Immersion Project? Join our grassroots group by signing up here! A pop up will appear. Spread the word among your personal network – including family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers!
Skylar wants to speak to her friends
DC Student's Perspective Skylar, an English native speaker third grader in one of DC's existing dual language immersion programs reminded us that students too must have a voice in this conversation. In an increasingly linguistically diverse city, children want to be...
You’re invited! Myths and reality on immersion’s impact on achievement
A Letter to Our Community
Dear Friends,The sad news is that DC Immersion is closing. The good news is that, together, we have built a network of support for equitable access to multilingual education in DC that transcends a specific organization. Thank you for advocating, learning, and...
These Friends Rock Dual Language – Follow Them!
There is a world of dual language knowledge in DC and beyond. Many of these educators, parents and organizations' passion for dual language predates DC Immersion, many of them have grown with us. We hope you can draw inspiration from these friends and walk with them...
Statement on DC Immersion’s Dissolution
Dear Families, educators, and partners, It is with great disappointment that we share with you that the DC Language Immersion Project (DC Immersion) is dissolving as a 501c3 organization due to a lack of resources after six years of tireless advocacy for multilingual...
What I Have Learned From Suppressing My Bilingualism
By: Thi Nguyen “Hey, can I talk to you?”, said Mr. Kim, my PE teacher, as he pulled me to the side of the soccer field. “I saw that you were talking to other Vietnamese students, and I want to remind you that it’s very important to speak English all the time in...
Stuck stateside needn’t mean you can’t chat with foreign locals — and improve your language skills
By Paul Abercrombie, The Washington Post Aug 7, 2020 For the original article click here. As a longtime student of Italian, I look forward to near-annual trips to the bel paese for a chance to talk with native speakers. Or, as my wife and teenage son might put...
How DLI Programs in the District Can be Utilized to Combat Inequality and Racial Segregation
By: Catherine Pulupa and Rebecca Rubin Damari from the University of Maryland's National Foreign Language Center To view full report click here Widespread outrage in response to the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many other...
Julio Argueta Shares His Experience as a Multilingual Ambassador
For the last nine months, DC Immersion was joined by our Multilingual Ambassadors, eight seniors from the International Academy of Roosevelt High School DCPS. These students created outreach strategies to increase attendance to our Multilingual Education Fair of DC....
Open Letter to DCPS Chancellor on Houston Elementary
Dear Chancellor, Houston Elementary led the way in being the very first dual language program East of the River. DCPS listened to the wishes of the Deanwood community and in 2016 Houston Elementary enrolled an inaugural PK3 class of 30 students who would go onto...
Supporting Recruitment and Retention of Latino, Hispanic and Latinx Teachers
In April, the DC State Board of Education passed Resolution SR20-5 "in support of measures to increase recruitment and retention of Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx teachers." This resolution is an important step in better supporting dual language programs across DC. It...
Third Dual Language Program East of the River!
We are delighted to announce a third dual language program will open its doors East of the River in school year 2021-22. Last month, the DC Public Charter School Board moved to grant preliminary approval to Global Citizens Public Charter School to offer a dual...