Center for Second Language Research

Inspiring Multiliterate Participation in Academics & Communities through Technology (IMPACT) 

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.