Thomas & Collier Research

Dr. Wayne Thomas and Dr. Ginger Collier

Professors Wayne Thomas and Virginia Collier are internationally known for their research on long-term school effectiveness for linguistically and culturally diverse students

Dr. Wayne Thomas and Dr. Virginia Collier (Wayne & Ginger) have worked for almost 50 years as professors and collaborative researchers in the evolving field of dual language education.

Their longitudinal research findings and publications have influenced policy makers in the U.S. and worldwide.

Dual language education is now flourishing and spreading throughout the U.S., as the data-driven evidence is disseminated, from Wayne’s and Ginger’s analyses of over 8 million student records from 37 school districts in 16 U.S. states, plus all 120 school districts in the state of North Carolina.

Their research has shown that dual language schooling, when implemented well, is the most effective program for ALL students, but especially for emergent bilinguals, students in poverty, and students of all ethnic backgrounds. They are both professors emeriti from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

You can read all about their research findings and understanding, planning, implementing, and improving dual language programs and convincing policy makers, in their six books, published by Dual Language Education of New Mexico-Fuente Press.

Guide for Collaborative Professional Learning book cover

Available NOW!

Educating English Learners for a Transformed World: A Guide for Collaborative Professional Learning (second edition, published in 2026). Drs. Virginia Collier, Wayne Thomas, and Joan Lachance have created an entirely new updated format, designed for lively, collaborative professional development sessions and university courses for teachers and school leaders.

Engaging, interactive exercises stimulate thought-provoking discussions about dual language schooling based on research foundations. This book should be carefully studied by teachers, school administrators, and local and state policy makers engaged in dual language schooling.

Drs. Thomas & Collier Services via Zoom:

  • Guidance on evaluating your dual language program

  • Professional development for school leadership

  • Conference keynotes and speaking engagements

  • Guidance on research-based decisions for your dual language program 

To schedule, email Virginia Collier at vcollier@gmu.edu

staff at Frank Porter Graham Bilingue in Chapel Hill, NC

Our research demonstrates the success

of dual language schooling

Above: Staff at Frank Porter Graham Bilingüe in Chapel Hill, NC

Our publications are available for purchase at Dual Language Education of New Mexico. Click here for Books; Click here for ebooks.

Collier, V.P., & Thomas, W.P. (2026). Educating English Learners for a Transformed World: A Guide for Collaborative Professional Learning (second edition) .Albuquerque, NM: Dual Language Education of New Mexico – Fuente Press.
Collier, V.P. and Thomas, W.P. (2018). Transforming Secondary Education: Middle and High School Dual Language Programs Albuquerque, NM: Dual Language Education of New Mexico – Fuente Press.
Thomas, W.P. & Collier, V.P. (2017). Why Dual Language Schooling Albuquerque, NM: Dual Language Education of New Mexico – Fuente Press.
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Collier, V.P., & Thomas, W.P. (2014).Creating Dual Language Schools for a Transformed World: Administrators Speak Albuquerque, NM: Dual Language Education of New Mexico – Fuente Press.
Thomas, W.P., & Collier, V.P. (2012). Dual Language Education For a Transformed World. Albuquerque, NM: Dual Language Education of New Mexico – Fuente Press.
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Collier, V.P., & Thomas, W.P. (2009). Educating English Learners For a Transformed World. Albuquerque, NM: Dual Language Education of New Mexico – Fuente Press.
Collier, V.P., & Thomas, W.P. (2013). La educación de los estudiantes de inglés para un mundo en constante transformación.