'Two-Way Immersion In Elementary Schools' Program Coming To HCPS

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County Public Schools has been awarded a grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity to support the establishment and expansion of world language programs in military-connected public schools.

Emmorton Elementary School, located in Harford County, will serve as the pilot program's launch site, with the primary objective of enhancing access to and utilization of world language instruction to bolster academic success, achievement and post-graduation opportunities for students. The pilot program is known as "Two-way Immersion in Elementary Schools."

Two-Way Immersion education refers to programs that provide grade level content and literacy instruction to all students through two languages. These programs typically begin in kindergarten or first grade and aim to promote bilingualism and biliteracy, high levels of academic achievement and cross-cultural competence. By providing a well-rounded and rigorous Spanish language learning experience, TIES will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue specialized secondary and post-secondary experiences and employment opportunities.

The five-year grant will provide the necessary resources and support for the planning, development and implementation of the program. The grant timeline includes a mandatory planning year for the 2023-2024 school year. Implementation of the TIES program will start with the establishment of a kindergarten Spanish immersion classroom in the 2024-2025 school year.

Subsequently, each school year will see a phased-in approach, adding the next grade level, with the goal of reaching third grade by the 2028-2029 school year.

“I am a strong supporter of world language education and am excited for what this opportunity will bring to Harford County Public Schools. This grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity is a tremendous opportunity for the students of our district to become global citizens. We are dedicated to ensuring that all our students have access to a high-quality education, and the TIES program will provide a vital role in achieving that goal," said HCPS Superintendent Sean Bulson. "We are grateful for the support of DoDEA and look forward to the positive impact this program will have on our students’ futures. With world languages being taught in all middle schools this school year for the first time ever in HCPS, the opportunity to provide this tremendously effective approach for world language learning to elementary school students is exciting."