Benefits of Creating Dual Language Programs

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Dual language is a form of education in which students are taught to read and write in two languages. The majority of dual language programs in the United States teach in English and Spanish, although there are emerging programs that teach in Mandarin, Japanese and Hindi. The programs start of mostly in kindergarten sand 1st grade and continue throughout primary education, in addition some dual language programs depending on the grade continue through middle and high school. Even Hayward’s own Burbank elementary and Winton middle school are offering dual language programs. Each level of teaching uses a different language ratio in which class is instructed the classes start off with a 90:10 ration and later as years pass the ration becomes a steady 50:50 (Lindholm-Leary, Kathryn J,2001). The goals of dual language immersion programs are to get children to become both bi-literate and bilingual, in other words, they will be able to speak and write fluently in two different languages. Dual language programs are becoming more and more common most of them are in public school but there are some beginning to become present private and charter schools. Dual language education should be introduced in all elementary schools beginning in the Kindergarten to boost achievement for English language learners, benefits it will bring to the community, outstanding brain benefits and lastly cost efficiency in education across the United States.
Dual language programs not only create bi-literacy and bilingualism for the students in the classrooms but it helps create an improved academic achievement overall for the students. Dual language is a type of bilingual education where students are taught different subjects like math, science, language arts, ...

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...udents excel in both languages. Some parents worry about "too much" exposure to the new language, they fear that their children will forget their roots. This will not happen because the models eventually turn into a 50 to 50 ratio.
Dual language education provides numerous benefits to those who choose to participate. It helps English language learners close the gap in their education, helps increase community awareness, and has beneficial brain affects and lastly a new approach to saving education dollars and making them worth it. Dual education is the right choice when thinking about the future of public elementary schools and higher education. Starting as early as kindergarten will allow students to get the full emersion the dual language program has to provide. Our United States is slowing changing and to keep up dual language is a step in the right direction.

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