Dual Language Education in the Elementary Grades: What Are Some Constraints or Limitations of Dual Language in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.

Author

Anna Alvarez, Central Washington University

Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

2009

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Steven Schmitz

Second Committee Member

R. Bowers

Third Committee Member

Y. Amos

Abstract

This study examined the dual language model of bilingual education available to students at Pioneer Elementary in Sunnyside, Washington. There are a variety of bilingual education, Spanish and English, programs currently used throughout the United States. The effectiveness of student's academic success is based on the bilingual education program they participate in, which has been a long-standing debated topic. Recently new and innovative bilingual education programs such as dual-language models have been introduced and implemented into many classrooms. There is significant scholarly debate regarding the efficacy of dual language education programs. It is possible that the debate is centered on the fact that when implementing bilingual programs the strengths and weaknesses of the models are exposed, as in all facets of education. This study explored one school's consistency and fidelity to the dual-language model used at Pioneer Elementary and some consequences that resulted from the implementation of the program.

Recommended Citation

Alvarez, Anna, "Dual Language Education in the Elementary Grades: What Are Some Constraints or Limitations of Dual Language in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade." (2009). All Graduate Projects. 108.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/graduate_projects/108