Common Language Models for Multilingual Learners (MLs)
Dual-Language Immersion (or Two-Way Immersion)
Language and academic instruction in both English and another targeted language (for ML children and English only speakers who wish to become bilingual)
Goals
Bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement in both English and another language, and cross-cultural understanding
Age Level
Preschool/TK and K–8th grade, but may also be offered through grade 12
Bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic achievement in both English and another language, and cross-cultural understanding
Preschool/TK and K–8th grade, but may also be offered through grade 12
Developmental Bilingual
Language and academic instruction specifically for English Learners, using both English and the children’s home language
Goals
Language proficiency and academic achievement in children’s first and second languages
Age Level
Preschool/TK and K–8th grade
Language proficiency and academic achievement in children’s first and second languages
Preschool/TK and K–8th grade
Transitional Bilingual*
Language and academic instruction in both English and ML children’s home language, with a gradual, systematic transition to English only
Goals
English language proficiency and academic achievement in English
Age Level
Preschool/TK and K–3rd, but may also be offered at higher grade levels
English language proficiency and academic achievement in English
Preschool/TK and K–3rd, but may also be offered at higher grade levels
English Language Development with Home Language Support
English is the primary language of instruction, but home language is used and supported (to varying degrees) to facilitate understanding of content, and as a bridge to English
Goals
English language proficiency and school readiness skills in English, and promotion of the home language
Age Level
Preschool/TK
English language proficiency and school readiness skills in English, and promotion of the home language
Preschool/TK
Structured English Immersion
Instruction in English (may include home language use as a support, but not for bilingual instruction purposes)
Goals
English language proficiency and academic achievement in English
Age Level
K–12th grade
English language proficiency and academic achievement in English
K–12th grade
Note: These descriptions were derived from the CDE Research to Practice resource on Multilingual Learners and the CDE webpage on Multilingual Education. It should be noted that in K–3 settings, state guidance indicates that all language programs should include both Integrated and Designated ELD, as defined in the CDE English Language Development Standards.
*Also known as Home Language as a Foundation for English Development, as described in the CDE Preschool Program Guidelines.
What is the “gold standard” for supporting bilingualism?
Dual language and bilingual education models use both the home language and English as the languages of instruction and have the explicit goal of developing bilingualism. Bilingual models vary in how much time is allocated to each language, but the use of the home language for instruction across these models shows a valuing of and commitment to home language development. Research suggests that dual language education has positive effects on children’s home language and English language skills, as well as other learning domains.15 It takes a great level of commitment for a program to adopt a dual language model, including administrator/program commitment, qualified bilingual staff, intensive training, materials, and resources. See this list of questions every ML teacher and administrator should be able to answer about their program from CDE’s Research to Practice resource on Multilingual Learners (page 119).
More language approaches
For more details on program language approaches for instruction check out:
Preschool/TK:
- California Preschool Program Guidelines—Chapter 6 (pages 75–91)
- Early Learning and Care for Multilingual and Dual Language Learners—Chapter 4 (pages 206–208) in the CDE Research to Practice resource on Multilingual Learners
Head Start resources, including:
- Classroom Language Models—A Leader’s Implementation Manual
- Supports for Classroom Language Models for All Children: Step by Step Guide
- Head Start’s Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center resources on Planned Language Approach
K–3rd grade:
- Multilingual Programs and Pedagogy—Chapter 3 (pages 118–126) in the CDE Research to Practice resource on Multilingual Learners
- CDE: Overview of Multilingual Programs
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