Dual language is a form of bilingual education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages. In the elementary years, dual language programs use the partner language for at least half of the instructional day. Students are immersed in each language for part of each day as they study the same subjects and follow the same curriculum as all students at the school. Teachers use sheltering techniques to make content comprehensible so that no translation takes place. Dual language programs foster bilingualism, biliteracy, enhanced awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity, and high levels of academic achievement through instruction in two languages. Students need the support of their families to succeed. However, families do not have to be bilingual for their children to succeed and become bilingual.

Yes! The first dual language programs began in Canada (French & English) and Florida (Spanish & English) over 30 years ago. Since then, this dynamic model has spread around the world, wherever parents and teachers want their children to become both academically successful and bilingual/bicultural. The average student who enters a dual language program at kindergarten or first grade speaking only English will graduate achieving at or above national averages on English language standardized tests, as well as slightly below grade level in Spanish. It takes most people 5-7 years to become fully fluent in a second language. This means that the first 2-3 years are the most challenging for students in a dual language program. All language learners go through a ‘silent period’ where they take in their new language but can’t yet speak it themselves. This is followed by a long ‘early production’ period, where the person understands much more than they can express. Families and beginning teachers often worry during the first few years of a child’s dual language education that the child is falling behind in their native language and not really picking up the second language. Just like a toddler learning to speak, this silent period is natural and necessary for the student. Once the child is ready, they will interact with peers and teachers in both languages.

Dual Language Two-Way Immersion (TWI) is an educational model that integrates native English speakers and native speakers of another language for all or most of the day, with the goals of promoting high academic achievement, first- and second-language development, and cross-cultural understanding for all students. At Global Prep, language learning takes place primarily through content instruction. Academic subjects are taught to all students through both English and Spanish. As students and teachers work together to perform academic tasks, students’ language abilities are developed along with their knowledge of content area subject matter.

In most cases, learning another language enhances a child’s English ability. Children can learn much about English by learning the structure of another language. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning of new words in English. Experimental studies have shown that no long-term delay in native English language development occurs in children participating in second language classes, even in full immersion programs. Children enrolled in foreign language programs score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. Several reports have demonstrated that children who have learned a second language earn higher SAT scores, particularly on the verbal section of the test. One study showed that by the fifth grade of an immersion program, students outperformed all comparison groups and remained high academic achievers throughout their schooling.

Concepts learned in either language become a part of the child’s general knowledge. Many language concepts transfer from one language to another. Please see the following websites for more information on current research in language learning: Center for Applied Linguistics (www.cal.org), Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (www.carla.umn.edu), National Association of Bilingual Education (www.nabe.org), Illinois Research Center (www.thecenterweb.org/irc/), Dual Language Education of New Mexico (www.dlenm.org/).