Two-Way Language Immersion Students: How They Fare in Secondary School

This study compares middle and high school students, grades seven through twelve, who participated in a two-way language immersion program to students who did not participate in a two-way language immersion program. The study evaluates three constructs to determine if students who participated in a two-way language immersion program in elementary school demonstrate academic advantages, have higher self-esteem, and have greater cultural appreciation in middle school and high school when compared with students who did not participate in a two-way language immersion program in elementary school. Academic achievement is measured by: (1) comparing standardized test results in English language arts and mathematics, (2) comparing students¿ grade point averages, (3) analyzing the number of academically challenging classes students select, and (4) surveying students¿ attitudes and behavior towards school. Self-esteem and cultural appreciation are measured by surveying students¿ levels of self-esteem and cultural appreciation.