What is Immersion?

In total immersion, almost one hundred percent of class time is spent in the foreign language. Subject matter taught in foreign language and language learning per se is incorporated as necessary throughout the curriculum.

The goals are to become functionally proficient in the foreign language, to master subject content taught in the foreign languages, and to acquire an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures. This type of program is usually sequential, cumulative, continuous, proficiency-oriented, and part of an integrated grade school sequence.

What Do We Know About Immersion?

• Immersion programs have no negative effects on spoken skills in the first language.
  
• Early immersion students acquire almost-native-like proficiency in passive skills' (listening and reading) comprehension of the second language by the age of 11.
  
• Early immersion students are more successful in listening and reading proficiency than partial and late immersion students.
  
• Immersion programs have no negative effects on the cognitive development of the students.