In the context of bilingual education, what does "additive" refer to?

In the context of bilingual education, "additive" refers to an approach where both the first language and the second language are supported and encouraged, allowing them to positively reinforce each other. This model aims to promote bilingualism and biliteracy, recognizing the value of a student's native language while also enhancing their proficiency in English.

Additionally, this approach not only helps preserve the first language but also enriches the learning experience, as students can draw from their full linguistic repertoire. By nurturing both languages, the additive approach helps students develop a deeper cognitive understanding and cultural appreciation, thereby fostering academic success and social integration.

In contrast, other models such as those reducing emphasis on the first language or focusing solely on English do not promote this synergistic relationship between languages. They typically prioritize one language over the other, which can hinder a student's language development and cultural identity.