Submersion
Includes programs where the students are placed in regular English only classrooms and given no special instructional
support. (This form of instruction is no longer in the US but that does not prevent many linguistically diverse
students and especially English language learners, meaning students that are in the process of learning English, from experiencing
such educational settings.)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Programs that provide students who are not proficient in the English language with special English classes that are
either integrated into the regular mainstream classroom or are provided to the students by pulling them out of the regular
classroom. ESL programs do not include instruction in the student home language.
Transitional
Bilingual Education Program
Part
of the student’s instruction is provided to them in their home language until they reach a level of English proficiency
that allows them to partake in English only instruction. The goal of Transitional Bilingual Education Programs is for students
to transition into English only instruction as quickly as possible.
Maintenance Bilingual Education
Includes programs that provide students with instruction in both their home language and in English beginning in Kindergarten
through 6th grade. The goal of Maintenance Bilingual Education is for students to develop academic proficiency
in both English and their home language.
Dual
Language Programs
Programs
where language majority as well as language minority students are instructed together in the same program and the goal of
both groups is to achieve bilingualism and biliteracy.
