Colorado Dual Language Immersion (DLI)

Why Dual Language Immersion

Dual Language Immersion education is grounded in the principles of additive bilingualism and cultural pluralism. This orientation views language and culture as a resource, and thus, being bilingual and bicultural as being resource-rich. The goals of dual language immersion education are:

(1) High levels of academic achievement in 2 languages

(2) Bilingualism and biliteracy

(3) Encompasses culturally responsive learning environments that value inclusivity, equity and the differences of all students and the surrounding communities

(4) Develops students to be adaptive, open-minded, culturally competent and globally aware

Dual Language Immersion enhances the development of content in two languages, as well as literacy in both languages so that students will graduate ready for college, career, and life in a globally competitive economy and a collaborative international community. This unique program builds students’ linguistic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in both languages. Students learn standards-based content as they become linguistically and academically proficient in two languages.

Some of the benefits of a dual language immersion include greater cognitive flexibility, increased attention control, better memory, and stronger problem-solving skills; an enhanced understanding of their own language; equal or better performance on standardized tests of English and math administered in English than non-immersion students; and intercultural and sociocultural competencies.

Thank You

Colorado Department of Education would like to thank the following educators for developing this website for Colorado: