Education Policy Center – Andrea Boyle, Lisa Tabaku
“In a global economy, knowledge of multiple languages and cultures is a hot commodity. More and more schools across the country recognize the importance of bilingualism, offering both English learners and native English speakers opportunities to become proficient in more than one language. Unlike transitional bilingual programs that mainly seek to prepare English learners for general education classrooms, dual language programs aim to develop students’ literacy and content area knowledge in both English and a partner language, such as Spanish or Chinese. The goal is lasting bilingualism, along with high levels of academic achievement and an appreciation of multiple cultures…Our research found a number of ways that states can help expand and sustain dual language programs…”(more)