Dual Language Program

Why Dual Language?

WHAT IS A DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM?

A Dual Language (DL) program is a bilingual educational model where students are taught literacy and content in two languages. DL programs are designed to increase academic achievement, biliteracy, bilingualism, and cross-cultural understanding. The structure of DL programs varies, but they all provide at least 50% of the instruction in the partner language. 

ARE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS SUCCESSFUL?

Dual Language programs are based on decades of research that show learning academic content through two languages has positive effects on students achievement in school. This research also shows that DL programs help reduce achievement gaps and promote educational equity.

The research-based benefits of DL programs include:

• Students become bilingual, biliterate and develop cultural competency to succeed in a global society.
• DL students tend to outperform their non-dual language peers on academic achievement tests in English by or during their middle school years.
• Historically underserved students, especially English learners, attain greater academic success when they participate in a DL program.
• People who are bilingual demonstrate greater cognitive flexibility, increased attention control, better memory, superior problem solving skills, and an enhanced understanding of their first language.
• DL students are ready to fill positions in the growing local and global multilingual workforce.

To learn more about the research supporting DL programs check out:

Parents’ Questions about Two-Way Immersion

The Rich Promise of Two-Way Immersion