Mandarin Immersion Parents Council

Note that this is long and pretty research-heavy, and much of it is about Spanish immersion programs. But still, some interesting thoughts on how immersion programs function compared with bilingual programs, which are focused on English-language learners so that they can learn English while retaining their home language.

I will say there are counter-arguments made by some that immersion programs can too easily be inequitable because they’re focused on students who already speak English and, often, who are socio-economically more privileged than the English-language learners in their programs.

To that, I would reply two things: Public schools are meant to support all students. And, immersion programs bring families in districts and schools they might otherwise not choose, which brings federal per-student funding up and also brings in families eager to support the school. With districts struggling as student populations drop, bringing in more students is a win.

The Century Foundation March 13, 2025 By Conor Williams

Dual-language immersion (DLI) programs are increasingly popular in communities and states across the country. Their number is growing largely on the strength of two key shifts: one in the research on bilingual education’s efficacy and a subsequent change in public demand for multilingualism. These programs can be a powerful way for education leaders to support English learners’ success while also growing access to diverse learning environments for all students. This report explores the DLI ecosystem in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region blessed with extraordinary linguistic, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity, but also a region wrestling with gentrification and significant wealth inequality.¹

Please read more here.