Dual language programs provide instruction in two languages and aim for all students to develop bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism. Three types of programs qualify as dual language: two-way immersion (TWI), developmental bilingual education, and foreign language immersion. This website applies most directly to TWI programs, but the general label of “dual language” will be used throughout.

TWI programs serve both language minority and language majority students in the same classroom and uses each group of students’ first language for academic instruction at certain points during the program. The aim is bilingualism and biculturalism for both sets of students. The cognitive, academic, and linguistic benefits of these programs fully appear after 5th or 6th grade. TWI programs are a coordination of both the developmental and immersion models in one program.

Developmental programs exclusively serve students who come to school proficient in languages other than English and have no or limited proficiency in English. Students learn English as they maintain and develop proficiency in their native language.


Immersion programs serve language majority students (native English-speaking students in North America), and use a second or foreign language to teach at least 50% of the curriculum.

In TBE programs, non-English speaking students initially learn academic content in their first language while developing proficiency in English. English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction is an essential component of TBE programs. The main purpose of TBE programs is to prepare students to transition into an all-English program of instruction as soon as possible.


ESL programs instruct language minority students almost exclusively in English and may offer limited native language support. The instruction in English is provided through specialized ESL strategies and is most effective through content based instruction.

A program in which language minority students receive neither ESL instruction nor native language support: sometimes these programs are mislabeled as immersion programs.