Cultivating Multilingualism: Implementation Insights and Implications From Seattle’s Dual Language Preschool Program

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Equity in Bi-/Multilingual Education Research and Dual Language Programs (Table 1)

Abstract

This research examined the experiences and outcomes of children enrolled in dual language initiative (DLI) classrooms in the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP). The DLI program aims to offer high-quality early learning environments while fostering children's linguistic ability and cultural identity. Through family and teacher focus groups and administrator interviews, classroom observations, and extant data analysis, the study sheds light on how the program was implemented and the extent to which outcomes differed for children in DLI classrooms compared to non-DLI classrooms. This study offers insights into the successes, challenges, and areas for improvement for a dual language preschool program and the considerations for others looking to implement a similar dual-language preschool program.

Authors

• Xuning Cecilia Zhang, American Institutes for Research

• Alejandra Martin, Los Angeles County Office of Education

• Ashley Pierson, American Institutes for Research