Dual language classes

Learning more than one language is an ever increasing topic of interest for many people. Parents are especially concerned with their children's language abilities and how that could affect their future prospects. With college and career options becoming more competitive every day, every parent wants to give their child any extra skills possible to better ensure their success in the world. While the effects continue to be debated, bilingual education is a relatively modern idea (at least in the United States) that is being implemented across the country. The article "Dual language classes on the way" show how this educational reform is currently taking place in Modesto.

Being born and raised in Sacramento, I was particularly interested that such a program is happening in the local area. I have heard of such programs but always thought they only occurred in elite private schools on the east coast or the extremely affluent areas of Southern California. It is also interesting to note that this is starting in the midst of the economic troubles throughout the country and especially in the state. CA schools have undergone massive budget cuts during many of my years and yet the situation has no obvious solution in the near future. The article explained that the Modesto and other local schools districts who are starting these programs already have bilingual teachers who can instruct in both Spanish and English. Since these teachers do not require further training, there is less of a financial burden. Students that participate in these programs will begin bilingual education in kindergarten and continue onward instead of the typical language classes that begin in middle or high school. There will also be instruction on the basic subjects (math, social studies, etc) in both languages so that students become comfortable utilizing the language in multiple academic areas.

I think this program is a fantastic idea that should have been implemented a long time ago. Already teachers report that students who learn English as a second language are helping the native English speakers and vice versa. This way the students develop a sense of confidence in the language from a very early age and the combination of ESL students in the classes breaks down the alienation that often comes with learning English as a second language. By the time these students reach high school, they will already wield a diverse vocabulary and better understanding of cultural diversity. Bilingual education in this way can establish more acceptance and appreciation of other cultures and languages; if young people learn such values during their primary education, then they will carry that with them to college and their future lives.

The sad part is the money issue. Many schools, especially in California, do not have the resources to employ well qualified instructors and provide the necessary materials for such a program. It will take a long time for widespread bilingual education to become the norm of education policy. Hopefully the success of such programs that exist already will inspire future legislation for education reform that will push for bilingual education.

Here's a link to the article: http://www.modbee.com/2010/04/05/1115018/dual-language-classes-on-the-way.html