Abstract
The development of a two-way bilingual program for children in preschool through second grade
is described. The program was developed through a partnership between researchers and teachers.
Researchers shared findings from previous studies, which were used to guide basic decisions about the
nature of the program. They then collected systematic classroom observation data the first year of the
program to guide programmatic fine-tuning for the second year. Observation data showed some gaps
between the instructional program that was planned and the one that was implemented, especially in
the amount of Spanish spoken. Data on children’s academic achievement showed very few differences
in the academic gains of native English- and native Spanish speakers in the bilingual program, and
native English speakers in the English-only classrooms. The discussion focuses on how teacher researcher
partnerships can be used to improve educational programs. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.
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