Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
5-20-2013
Abstract
The current investigation was conceived to support the expansion of two-way bilingual programs in BPS. Two-way bilingual (TWB) is an intrinsically equitable educational model which provides children from different linguistic, socio-economic, and racial backgrounds a rigorous, enriching education. All students are expected to attain high achievement markers by state and federal standards, as well as bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competencies in English and a partner language (Spanish most frequently). This report, which defines TWB narrowly as one in a handful of dual-language education options, establishes a baseline of practices that are widely regarded as pivotal features of well-implemented TWB programs. Guidelines and recommendations for the implementation of TWB features were drawn from empirical/expert literature and from best practices in BPS schools. The latter were observed and documented at fully rolled-out programs in two elementary K-8 schools in BPS with a record of success: the Rafael Hernández and the Joseph J. Hurley. Specific attention is given to the development of a language policy, to staffing considerations, and to instructional practices for two-way bilingual classrooms. The importance of building community buy-in is highlighted, together with culturally relevant practices that are applicable in a broader context.
Recommended Citation
Diez, Virginia and Karp, Faye, "Two-Way Bilingual Education in Boston Public Schools: Required Features, Guidelines and Recommendations" (2013). Gastón Institute Publications. 180.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/gaston_pubs/180
Publisher
The Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.