When talking about Developmental Bilingual Education, we can break it down even more! There are two types of program models that fall under that category: One-Way and Two-Way Dual Language.

Both programs focus on developing L1 and L2, with the most significance being the composition of the student population.

In a Two-Way Dual Language Program (sometimes called Two-Way Immersion), the student population consists of both native speakers of the L1 and L2. For example, in a Two-Way program including native Spanish speakers and native English speakers. The students are learning academic content in both languages. Students spend time in the classroom where they receive instruction in Spanish. All of the books they read, songs they sing, and content addressed are in Spanish. The co-teacher is responsible for the curriculum in English. Students spent time in both classrooms, learning in both languages. Academic, linguistic, and social outcomes in Two-Way Dual Language programs are some of the greatest of all the Bilingual programs.

A One-Way Dual Language class is comprised of students from the same language background who are learning in two languages - their home language and English. Similar to the Two-Way approach, the goal is for students to develop in both L1 and L2. The primary distinction is in the student composition, and their developmental emphasis results in strong academic outcomes.

Watch this video from the American Institutes for Research, which describes in greater detail some of the benefits and challenges of both types of programs.

(You can enable closed captioning in the video here or open the transcript in YouTube by clicking the three dots just under the video at the bottom right corner, if you prefer to read).