The Promise and Potential of Two-Way Immersion in Catholic Schools

Abstract

Two-Way Immersion (TWI) is a method of instruction designed to facilitate the learning of a second language by non-native speakers. Unlike traditional methods of teaching a second language, TWI is grounded in the equal presence, respect, and value of the two languages and their related cultures. Moreover, the goal of TWI is the building of communities of intercultural competence and appreciation. In this article, I argue that TWI is especially appropriate for many Catholic schools given the current and growing presence of Latino Catholics. However, the establishment and maintenance of an effective TWI school is not a panacea for efforts to increase the access and inclusion of Latino families in Catholic schools. I present the example of Holy Rosary Regional School/Juan Diego Academy, a recently established TWI school in Tacoma, WA to discuss the hard choices that must be made regarding out- reach, staffing, curriculum, and funding. The article concludes with a consideration of the promise and potential of TWI for Catholic schools in the United States.