Dual language programs are showing great promise in in promoting a bi-literate awareness and a positive outlook toward a more multilingual society. There are now more than 2,500 dual language programs operating in schools throughout the U.S.

According to Ed Central, “Dual language programs provide dual language learners (DLLs) with instruction in their native language and English with the goal of developing proficiency in both. Beyond that, design and implementation of these programs varies widely. In the District of Columbia, many programs enroll both non-native English speakers and native English speakers. These “’two-way” immersion programs integrate DLLs into classrooms with their native English-speaking peers. They also allow students with varying linguistic backgrounds to learn alongside peers who can model the language they are trying to learn.”

These programs were once seen as one-offs, but over the last few years they have become much more popular and widespread. As the New York Times recently reported, “a dual-language program, which means that subjects, like reading and math, are taught in two languages with the goal of making students bilingual… are now coming into favor as a boon to both native and nonnative English speakers, and in areas around the country their numbers have been exploding.”

As the Times went on to report, “9 percent of Utah’s public elementary students are enrolled in dual-language programs. In Portland, Ore., 10 percent of all students, and nearly one in five kindergartners, participate. Statewide efforts to increase the number of programs, and expand access to them, are underway in states including Delaware and North Carolina.”

This is clearly a movement and sign that bilingual awareness is growing and meeting greater acceptance across the board.

At The Latino Family Literacy Project, each of our age specific bilingual programs engages the parents in reading with their children, reflects the experiences of Latino families, and is centered around universal themes. All materials, books and curricula used are bilingual and in a simple format and are a perfect fit for your Title I and Title III program requirements. This program can be used to teach English language and Spanish language skills and is bilingual for your convenience, and has multilevel English language lessons for English Learners. Find out more today.

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The perspective regarding bilingual education is gradually changing due to demographic transformations and an increasing appreciation of the value of speaking more than one language. One of the goals of offering the seal is that it allows employers to know if you are truly fluent in another language. In today’s globalized economy that is a now seen as real plus. You can learn more about the biliteracy seal here. [http://sealofbiliteracy.org/]

On another related front, the New America Foundation has recently released three reports on Dual Language Learner (DLL) efforts in three cities: San Antonio, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Washington, D.C. In each city, schools have made strong advances in supporting DLLs in their cities. As New America reports, “In all three cases, local leaders are exploring: early education investments and reforms that support DLLs’ healthy development from birth through third grade; robust family engagement policies that often include “dual-generation” strategies for simultaneously addressing the needs of families and students; and rigorous use of data to determine DLLs’ strengths and needs over time.” For more on these reports, please go here.

The post Biliteracy Seals and Dual Language Embraced by Schools appeared first on The Latino Family Literacy Project.