Mr. Chavez includes intentional support in L1 for his ELLs. What type of bilingual program is he teaching in?

Mr. Chavez's inclusion of intentional support in the students' first language (L1) indicates that he is likely teaching in an environment that values and utilizes both the students' native language and English. A two-way Spanish immersion program is designed specifically to provide instruction in both languages, promoting bilingualism and biliteracy among students. In such a program, both English and Spanish speakers learn together, allowing for a rich exchange and an environment where students can develop proficiency in both languages.

This approach contrasts with one-way language immersion, which typically serves only speakers of one language by immersing them in the target language, and structured English immersion, which focuses primarily on teaching English with limited use of the students' first language. Transitional bilingual education’s aim is to shift students from their first language to English instruction, often reducing L1 support over time. In a two-way Spanish immersion program, however, the use of L1 is a foundational element that enhances not only language skills but cultural understanding as well.