Archbishop Borders School, a Catholic elementary school in Baltimore’s Highlandtown community, has been selected as one of 12 schools in the nation to participate in the Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools (TWIN-CS). Participation in this elite group will foster collaboration among school leadership, provide continuous support from experienced scholars/practitioners from Boston College and other national institutions, and guide the development of specific language immersion program models to best suit each school’s unique community.
“The dual-language or two-way immersion program at Archbishop Borders was launched in 2010 to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic community and in response to a Maryland State Task Force on Preservation of Heritage Language Skills which reported the lack of dual-language programs in the state. The selection of Archbishop Borders to this elite Two-Way Immersion Network affirms the commitment and resources the Archdiocese has allocated to this important initiative.” said Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson, Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
Two-Way immersion programs have been nationally recognized as the most effective approach to prepare students to be bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural citizens in an increasingly diverse world, while deeply respecting the languages, identities, and cultures of all students.
“We welcome this program that will further the skill set and cultural understanding of our students,” said Cathy Marshall, Principal at Archbishop Borders. “This two-way immersion program will enhance the academic quality and student outcomes of our students. It is an honor to be an early adopter of this bilingual education model.”
The Two-Way Immersion Network for Catholic Schools is the first initiative of the Innovation Institute for Catholic Educators, a program designed to promote and support innovative academic opportunities for PreK-12 Catholic education. The Innovation Institute formed as a partnership of the Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and the National Catholic Educational Association. This partnership encourages academic models that support successful student outcomes for Catholic schools. Based on proven strategies, academic research, and best practices developed by Catholic colleges and universities, the Innovation Institute improves the effectiveness, rigor, and sustainability of our nation’s Catholic schools. For more information on these programs, please visit www.bc.edu/innovationinstitute.
“The need for citizens to be bilingual is increasing in demand in the global workplace. Bilingual graduates have an advantage as they apply to college and eventually, professional careers,” said Patricia A. Weitzel-O’Neill, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA.
Archbishop Borders Catholic School offers a full-day Pre-K program and two-way language classes starting in Pre-K. To learn more about Archbishop Borders School, visit their new location at 3500 Foster Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 or call 410-276-6534, or visit the website at www.abbschool.com.