Which bilingual education model is recognized for its focus on academic achievement in both languages?

Maintenance bilingual programs are designed to support and promote academic achievement in both the student's native language and the second language. This model aims to develop proficiency in both languages over time and often involves teaching content in both languages, allowing students to maintain and enrich their first language while acquiring a second language. By doing so, these programs not only facilitate bilingualism but also help in preserving cultural identity and community ties.

In contrast, transitional bilingual education typically focuses on moving students to English as quickly as possible, often reducing the use of the native language over time. Language immersion programs immerse students in a second language for instruction with the goal of developing fluency, but they may not emphasize equal proficiency in both the native and target languages. Structured English immersion primarily targets English language learners by providing instruction almost exclusively in English, often without a sustained focus on the native language. Hence, maintenance programs stand out for their comprehensive approach to fostering academic success in both languages.