Increase Diversity and Integration
Dual language programs are a powerful tool to increase racial and socioeconomic diversity in schools. This is critical in and of itself because all students do better when student and teacher body is diverse. For example, by implementing a dual language program at Houston Elementary DCPS in the Deanwood community, families who previously would not have considered the school are now lining up to enroll their kids due to the high demand and low supply for dual language programs. The net effect is that the socioeconomic diversity that exists in most of our neighborhoods gets translated to our neighborhood public school.
However, the most important integration effect of bilingual education happens outside of schools and goes beyond achievement.
A correctly implemented dual language program puts two languages and cultures on the same level. There is not one form of government, one way of celebrating family, one term to define love. There are multiple options, there are multiple ways of behaving, there are multiple places where life can be imagined. It give us perspective and makes us into more tolerant and empathetic adults. In best case scenarios it also leads to families of different socioeconomic and racial groups working together to support their children on an equal footing.
Increasing linguistic and cultural competence in all ages of learning allows District residents to feel empowered not threatened by diversity. In an environment where different factions of the District often see each other with suspicion, increased understanding of the cultural and linguistic differences and similarities, is a powerful way to strengthen community throughout the District.
Braitmayer Foundation Awards DC Immersion $35,000 Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Washington, D.C., April 16th, 2020 The DC Language Immersion Project (DC Immersion) is pleased to announce it was awarded a $35,000 grant from The Braitmayer Foundation. With this grant, DC Immersion looks forward to supporting...
Distance Learning: Language Teaching and Learning
We hope to grow this list of free online resources for virtual language teaching and learning. Please send your suggestions to johanna@dcimmersion.org. If you find this helpful, please support our work. Looking for virtual events? Check out our global calendar. We...
Omar Offendum: Peace Activism Through Languages
Known for his unique blend of Hip-Hop & Arabic poetry, Syrian American artist Omar Offendum shared his perspective on the power of languages in peace activism and uniting people all over the globe during the 2020 Multilingual Education Fair of DC. Generously...
Power of Multilingualism In the Workforce
Distinguished experts from the healthcare, hospitality, intelligence community, and higher ed industries discuss the impact on their industry sector of hiring and working with multilingual employees. The session includes a presentation of the findings from the report...
The 2020 Multilingual Education Fair of DC
The 4th edition of the Multilingual Education Fair, held on Saturday, January 25th, 2020 welcomed a community of families, educators, young adults, college students, employers, and other community members from 5 countries, 14 states, and all 8 wards of the District of...
Amid growing demand, DC Immersion Project works to boost dual language programs
By Taylor Mulcahey, The DC Line. Published February 3rd, 2020. Read more here. Seeing a need to inform DC families, educators and lawmakers of the benefits and options for language learning, Bertelli went on to launch the DC Language Immersion Project in...
More US schools teach in English and Spanish, but not enough to help Latino kids
By Erin Richards and Kristin Lam, USA Today Jan 7, 2020 Read more here, "In some districts, the popularity of dual-language programs has led to concerns that English learners, who often come from lower-income families, will be pushed out by native English speakers...
Language Summer Camps 2020
We compiled this list of language summer camps for young linguists: F is for French, M for Mandarin, S for Spanish, I for Italian, G for German, A is for Arabic and J is for Japanese. Each camp features a significant element of foreign language and/or culture, and is...
DC Immersion Turns 5!
"Since 2014, we have been hard at work to allow all DC children to communicate with more friends, to make the world a smaller place, while increasing equitable access to opportunity. Thank you to all of our partners, volunteers and donors - you make this work...
Dual Language Open Houses
Want to learn more about dual language immersion programs in DC? Attend one of the many upcoming open houses to find out how they work, who they serve and how each one of them uses innovative practices to boost achievement and prepare DC kids for a global future....