Two-Way Immersion Program 

    Two-Way Language Immersion Information (MCPS Website)  

     

    Find out more information in the brochures below:

     

     

    Two-Way Immersion Presentation (English)                           Two-Way Immersion Presentation (Spanish)

    Overview Resumen
    Two-Way Immersion is an educational model in which students develop high levels of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English and in Spanish (or another non-English language). Teachers deliver the same academic content and standards (MCPS Curriculum) as traditional classroom teachers, while providing instruction in two languages. Ideally Two-Way Immersion classes are comprised of a fairly equal balance of native English-speaking students and native Spanish speaking students. Native speakers of each language serve as fluent peer models of the language. The students will typically receive lessons from two teachers; one providing academic instruction in English, and the other providing academic instruction in Spanish. Teachers are native or near-native speakers of the target language. 

    Inmersión Dual es un modelo didáctico en el cual los estudiantes desarrollan altos niveles de habilidad para hablar, leer, escribir y escuchar en inglés y en español (o en otro idioma que no sea el inglés). Los maestros imparten el mismo contenido académico y los mismos estándares (Currículum de MCPS) que los maestros de clases tradicionales, mientras que la instrucción es en dos idiomas. En Inmersión Dual, lo ideal es que las clases estén formadas por un número bastante similar de estudiantes cuyo idioma natal es el inglés y estudiantes cuyo idioma natal es el español. Los hablantes que usan su idioma natal sirven como modelo de fluidez a imitar en ese idioma. Los estudiantes normalmente reciben lecciones impartidas por dos maestros/as; uno/a que imparte la instrucción académica en inglés y otro/a que imparte la instrucción académica en español. Los maestros/as dictan las clases en su idioma natal o su fluidez es casi como si fuera su idioma natal.
     
     Goals of the Program
    The goals of the program include:
    ▲▲ To develop bilingualism and biliteracy in English and in Spanish
    ▲▲ To develop academic success in English and Spanish
    ▲▲ To develop positive cross-cultural attitudes and behaviors

     
    In a Two-Way Immersion Program:
    ▲▲ Students receive 50% of their content instruction in English and 50% in Spanish to ensure that both languages have equal status
    ▲▲ Students develop fluency in a second language while continuing to build literacy in their home language
    ▲▲ Students develop greater understanding, tolerance, appreciation, and respect for other languages and culture
     
    Metas del Programa
     Las metas del programa incluyen:
    ▲▲ Desarrollar el bilingüismo y la lectoescritura bilingüe en inglés y en español
    ▲▲ Desarrollar el éxito académico en inglés y en español
    ▲▲ Desarrollar actitudes y comportamientos interculturales positivos 

     
    En Un Programa de Inmersión Dual:
    ▲▲ Los estudiantes reciben el 50% de su contenido didáctico en inglés y el otro 50% en español, a fin de asegurar que ambos idiomas estén a igual nivel
    ▲▲ Los estudiantes desarrollan fluidez en un segundo idioma mientras que continúan desarrollando alfabetización de su idioma natal
    ▲▲ Los estudiantes desarrollan mejor entendimiento, tolerancia, apreciación y respeto por otros idiomas y culturas

     

    Spanish Two-Way Language Immersion Program

    Two-Way Immersion is an educational model in which students develop high levels of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English and in Spanish (or another non-English language). Teachers deliver the same academic content and standards (MCPS Curriculum) as traditional classroom teachers, while providing instruction in two languages. Ideally Two-Way Immersion classes are comprised of a fairly equal balance of native English-speaking students and native Spanish-speaking students. Native speakers of each language serve as fluent peer models of the language. The students receive lessons from two teachers; one providing academic instruction in English, and the other providing academic instruction in Spanish. Teachers are native or near-native speakers of the target language.

    The goal is to immerse the children in a second language environment while teaching the Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum.  Utilizing Spanish for instruction for the whole day helps to avoid the confusion that students would encounter by having to shift languages and teachers half-way through the day.  Children are permitted to use English, but the teacher uses Spanish in almost all situations.  Many visual aids, "big books", hands-on materials, and much body language are used to insure the children's understanding.  As the children develop basic Spanish classroom vocabulary, they are encouraged to use these new expressions.

    Evaluation and Reporting

    Students receive the regular report cards with teacher comments regarding the progress in the second language.  Students participate in the same standardized testing in English as their peers in the English classrooms. In addition, third, fourth, and fifth grade students will have specific content-based written assignments scored to provide information on the development of the Spanish language. 

    Enrollment

    Rolling Terrace Elementary School is a Two-Way Immersion school.  Students who reside within the RT school boundaries will participate in the school-wide program, and only students who have RT as a home school may participate.  All grades, kindergarten through grade 5, are part of the two-way immersion program.
    More information can be found at this website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/two-way-immersion

    NOTE: Rolling Terrace ES is not part of the immersion lottery AND is not available for new students outside the attendance boundaries as of 2021-2022. 

    Exiting the program

    On rare occasions, Spanish immersion is not deemed the best program for a particular child.  If there are concerns about first language development or language processing difficulties, immersion might add an unnecessary level of difficulty and frustration for a child.  Close communication between the child's parents, teachers, and other school professionals can help plan appropriately for each child.     

    Resources for Spanish Language Development

    Find out more information in the brochures below.
    English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese | Korean | Amharic | French