An Educator's Guide to Dual Language Instruction

Book excerpt: This user-friendly book is a key resource for teachers and administrators to ensure their school’s success in implementing and maintaining a dual language program. Authors Gayle Westerberg and Leslie Davison share their own experiences leading a dual language school, the obstacles they overcame, and the best practices they learned along the way. The book is filled with step-by-step instructions and strategies you can try immediately, as well as inspirational stories from educators in urban and rural dual language programs across the country. Topics include: Choosing a model for your dual language program and involving all stakeholders in the transition process; Marketing your program effectively to recruit students and staff, including international teachers; Implementing a standards-based instructional framework focused on direct vocabulary instruction, extensive reading, and using language in context; Setting proficiency targets and using internal and external assessments to track students’ progress; Incorporating technology for a more interactive and engaging language-learning experience. You’ll also learn how to effectively transition your program through different grade levels and build a collaborative school culture for a strong, long-lasting K–12 dual language program. Additional resources are available on the authors’ website, www.duallanguageinstruction.com.