KIP History and Goals

Two-way Immersion programs were started more than 20 years ago in Canada. Since then, 18 states have developed such programs with California taking the lead. Districts in California with Two-way Immersion programs include Alum Rock, Barstow, Cabrillo, Capistrano, Culver City, Davis, Healdsburg, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Pomona, Redwood City, Saddleback, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica-Malibu, Valley Center, Windsor, and Woodland.

Harvard University, UCLA, and several leading universities in Canada have done research showing that children in Two-way Immersion programs improve their primary and secondary language proficiency, develop greater capacity for abstract thought, and enhance their overall academic achievement. The supportive relationship among parents, teachers, and administrators is one of the key factors in the programs' continuing success.

SFUSD Korean/English Two-way Immersion was started in September 1994 by a group of parents, educators, and advocates wanted to bring the benefits of two-way immersion to the Korean community in San Francisco.

The goals of the program are to:

• develop strong English language skills (reading, writing and speaking)

• develop strong Korean language skills (reading, writing and speaking)

• meet all the SFUSD core curriculum requirements

• foster an appreciation for both languages and cultures

• promote high levels of self esteem and positive cross-cultural attitudes