Dual Language Schools in CA

Dual Language Schools in CA are like seeds in a watermelon, they’re popping up everywhere in the state, these days. As California evolves into the notion that kids who know one or more languages is a big plus, it’s likely that dual immersion programs will only continue to grow.

Many high school students are reaping the rewards as well, and it’s placed right on their diplomas for all to see. In October, 2011, a bill was passed establishing a particular of criteria for school districts in the state to recognize students who know English and have learned one or more foreign language, says the Bilingual Teacher website. By meeting the requirements, the State Biliteracy Seal is then affixed to their diploma.

Another article, “Language-immersion Programs Expand in California’s Schools” tells a terrific story about a student from a dual language school in California. The little girl, a third-grader, who speaks native English, said she learned Spanish so well from the time she was in kindergarten that she ended up translating for her parents when the family visited Mexico last year on holiday. Her mom said, she couldn’t believe that this was a public program. After seeing her daughter’s results, she enrolled her son last year in the same kindergarten class.

A PBS article states that public opinion has started to shift towards the idea that being bilingual could be a huge advantage. Though exact numbers are challenging to come by, as the state stopped tracking dual language programs back in 2011, the ever-increasing popularity of programs like these indicate that more and more parents think that learning another language is a move in the right direction.

Along with dual immersion programs, there are also outreach programs that teach and reinforce two languages. One, for example, is the Latino Family Literacy Project, which encourages and supports Hispanic parents in setting up an at-home, bilingual reading routine with their kids. It’s a way for students to have all-around support at school and home. Teachers can attend a one-day, program training at a workshop near them or via an online webinar.