State Impact – Indiana – Rachel Morello
“Students in five Indiana school districts will have an increased focus on languages thanks to a new pilot program soon to be underway. Along with the 25 other school-related laws approved during this year’s “education session,” the Indiana General Assembly approved a Dual Language Immersion Pilot Program…This pilot is the first of two initiatives that will increase focus on dual language learning across the state…As Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Payne Horning reported during session, both projects aim to better prepare Indiana students for the global economy: Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, who authored the bill, says it could help Indiana graduates as they enter the job market. “When people learn a second language fluently, you actually become a smarter person,” Kruse says. “You score better in your other classes. You end up becoming a more successful person.” Language immersion appears to be increasing in popularity across the state.”(more)