Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 160 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Chapter 160-1
Subject 160-1-4 - GRANT PROGRAMS
Rule 160-1-4-.284 - Dual Language Immersion Program Grants

1. Purpose of Grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide funds to elementary schools to implement dual language immersion programs. Funds will be used to offset costs of implementing a dual immersion program, such as the purchase of textbooks and materials and professional development.

2. Term and Conditions. Grants are awarded through a competitive process to elementary schools that agree to implement dual immersion programs. The elementary schools must agree to implement dual immersion programs that: consist of at least two dual immersion sections in Kindergarten; employ at least two teachers for each dual language immersion grade level, one teacher targeting English and one teacher targeting the chosen foreign language; divide the school day so that students spend 50% of the day in English and 50% in the immersion language during the school day; allocate subjects to the English portion of the day or the immersion language portion of the day in accordance with the Georgia model; require parents to sign a commitment to have their children stay in the Dual Language Immersion program through Grade 5; establish a series of interventions for children who encounter serious difficulties; arrange for funding of textbook and instructional materials; reserve interventions for the English portion of the day; reverse the schedule at least once a year; share progress reports provided by the Georgia Department Office of Education with parents; have immersion students participate in external language proficiency testing if funding is available; and monitor the program for adherence to requirements and assurances. Grant recipients must provide appropriate professional development to all immersion teachers and at least one administrator.

3. Eligible Recipients. All Georgia elementary schools are eligible to apply.

4. Criteria for Award. Applications are reviewed and scored by the Georgia Department of Education. Funding will be awarded based on rank (the highest score first) and available funding.

5. Directions and Deadlines for Applying. Requests for information and application should be sent to the Program Specialist for International Affairs, Georgia Department of Education, 1770 Twin Towers East, 205 Jesse Hill Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334 or to gbarfield@doe.k12.ga.us.