What is a common challenge in a submersion program?

A submersion program is an educational approach where English language learners receive instruction entirely in English without additional support in their native language. The common challenge in this type of program is the high rate of failure among students.

Many students in submersion programs struggle to keep up with the curriculum because they may not have a sufficient command of English to fully understand the material being presented. This lack of language proficiency can lead to academic difficulties, frustration, and disengagement from the learning process.

When students do not receive adequate language support, they can easily fall behind their peers, which can lead to poor academic outcomes and low self-esteem. Consequently, the high rate of failure often associated with submersion programs highlights the need for more effective strategies that provide necessary scaffolding and support to help English language learners succeed academically.