Bilingual/Dual Language Programs Increasing in the US

On any given weekday in New York City, there are native English-speaking first graders tentatively asking their teachers if they can get a drink of water or use the bathroom in a foreign language. These youngsters are sitting side-by-side with nonnative English-speaking students in what’s called a dual language program, and it’s sizzling hot across the country right now.

A little over a year ago, there were nearly 40 bilingual/dual language, public school programs in NYC, which is in addition to the 25 that began two years prior. In total, the city has roughly 175 programs in place according to an article in the NY Times.

It wasn’t that long ago, however, that dual language programs were somewhat of a novelty. However, these days, they can be found throughout the country. In fact, a director at the Federal Education Department said in the same article above that, although it doesn’t have an exact figure, there are strong indicators that bilingual/dual language programs have become something of a movement. Numerous sources indicate that there are currently more than 2000 programs in the US.

Elementary school students aren’t the only ones flourishing in these programs. High school students are benefiting as well. For example, recent graduates from a dual language school in Boston are leaving with much more than just a diploma. Based on information in The Atlantic, close to ninety-five percent in this graduating class earned special seals on their diplomas, indicating they are now biliterate, which will, no doubt, come in handy in today’s competitive, global job market.

Unlike the old remedial, bilingual educational model, a dual language program gives all students the opportunity to become fluent in two languages states TakePart, a digital news magazine. It also takes away the stigma that was often placed on English Language Learners (ELLs) as they segued in with the rest of the kids.

Finding educational programs, like The Latino Family Literacy Project, that provide support for the ELL’s first language can make a big difference on their language acquisition and overall academic success.