Dual-Language Programs Cope With Diversifying U.S. Culture

As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, schools are trying to cope with the needs of students who don't speak English as their primary language. Dual-language programs help English speakers learn other languages and vice- versa, and many have long

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, schools are trying to cope with the needs of students who don’t speak English as their primary language.

 

CNN’s Alexa Lee takes a look at one approach.

 

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ALEXA LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Listen carefully to these young voices and you’ll hear two worlds come together. They’re part of dual-language immersion classes in Dalton, Georgia and Lafayette, Colorado. Across the nation there are more than 250 similar programs. Students dominant in English and students dominant in other languages — usually Spanish — are placed together in one classroom.

 

Danielle Polasio’s (ph) family speaks Spanish at home.

 

SUE SUGGS, PIONEER ELEMENTARY: It gives Spanish speakers an opportunity to be in an English environment and learn English. It also gives them a chance to be in a Spanish-language environment where they are taught, for example, reading and math in their first language.

 

LEE: For native English speakers like 6-year-old Leah Campos (ph), the classes help develop a second language.

 

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: (SPEAKING SPANISH)

 

LEE: In most programs, at least half the day’s instruction is in Spanish. The students split up to focus on reading literacy.

 

(on camera): The most comprehensive study on dual language classes determine that students can end up outperforming children in traditional one-language classes. Opponents argue, however, dual language classes can make it harder for some children to master English.

 

DAVID GERSTEN, CENTER FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: They’re not helpful for the mostly Spanish kids that are stuck in those programs and, basically, used as tools for helping these other English-speaking kids learn a new language.

 

LEE: Regardless, the dual-language programs have become so popular most have long waiting lists.

 

Alexa Lee, CNN, Dalton, Georgia.

 



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