The
IMPACT program was created to promote academic success among middle school
English as second language learners. Development and implementation of
this model program began in 2005 at Jarrett Middle School, O`ahu, Hawai`i
which serves Micronesian, Marshallese, Samoan, Southeast Asian, and Local
(Hawai`i born) students. The goals of IMPACT are to help students experience
heritage languages as resources, gain awareness and appreciation for
diverse cultures and languages, develop Academic English language and
literacy abilities, and become active agents of change in their communities.
The curriculum for this project-based program combines technology and
academic English components geared to promote language and literacy development.
The program intends to raise students’ awareness of the values
of linguistic and culture hybridity through drawing on the funds of knowledge
present within their own families and community. Through an investigative
approach to learning, IMPACT aims to expand students’ abilities
in multiple languages, literacies, and technologies.
