Promoting Bilingual Learning: The Impact of Dual-Language Programs at Pueblo Elementary
At Pueblo Elementary, a pioneering dual-language school located in Scottsdale, Arizona, students flourish through a unique educational model that fosters bilingualism and multiculturalism. Both native English speakers and English learners benefit as they immerse themselves in core subjects taught in both English and Spanish.
A Balanced Curriculum
The program’s curriculum is structured to maximize language acquisition at every stage of learning. In the early years—kindergarten through third grade—students engage in science, math, and Spanish language arts entirely in Spanish, while social studies and English/language arts are taught in English. Progressing to the fourth grade, students switch their focus, studying social studies in Spanish and math in English. This structured approach facilitates language development and helps create a diverse classroom environment.
A few years back, such diversity in the classroom would have been curtailed by Arizona’s English-only law, enacted in 2000. This law prohibited English learners from participating in programs conducted in languages other than English. Although the law was repealed in 2019, many English learners still find themselves limited in accessing dual-language programs like that of Pueblo Elementary. In fact, most students come from non-Spanish-speaking households, drawn by parents’ desire for their children to attain multicultural understanding and bilingual proficiency, as noted by Principal Shelley Hummon.
Misconceptions about Dual-Language Programs
There is an ongoing perception that dual-language immersion programs primarily serve English learners. However, Pueblo Elementary exemplifies the notion that not all English learners have access to these specialized programs. Some parents hold concerns that dual-language education may cause confusion for children, hindering their English proficiency and academic performance.
Currently, more than 3,600 dual-language immersion programs operate across the United States. Data from 2021 indicates that schools in 44 states offer such programs, with California, Texas, New York, Utah, and North Carolina accounting for nearly 60% of them. Remarkably, 80% of these programs utilize Spanish as the partner language. Chinese and French follow, representing 8.6% and 5.0%, respectively. However, only 7.9% of English language learners were reported to be enrolled in dual-language immersion programs for the 2019-20 school year.
Despite the expansion of these programs, shifts in federal policies—especially during the Trump administration—could pose significant expenses and challenges. Recent proposals to cut Title III funding, which supports schools in hiring bilingual tutors and staffing, threaten the stability and growth of dual-language programs nationwide.
The Educational Benefits of Dual-Language Immersion
Experts state that dual-language immersion programs can effectively serve all students by enhancing not only linguistic skills but cognitive abilities as well. According to Lucrecia Santibáñez, a professor at UCLA, these programs cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and memory enhancement, as students learn to communicate across languages. Students also experience greater exposure to diverse cultures, fostering social connections and broader worldviews.
Dual-language immersion models usually fall into two categories: 90-10 and 50-50 programs. In a 90-10 model, students spend 90% of their class time in the partner language initially, transitioning to a 50-50 balance over time. The 50-50 model allows students to alternate between languages, often systematized by subject matter or day of the week. Effective dual-language programs emphasize the strengths and cultural identities of the communities they serve.
Apolonio Trejo, an assistant professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, identifies six key benefits resulting from dual-language education: academic excellence, linguistic proficiency, cognitive development, cultural competence, personal identity enhancement, and community impact.
Rebranding Bilingual Education
Historically, bilingual education aimed to aid immigrant students in maintaining their cultural identity while enhancing English skills. However, the introduction of dual-language programs in the 1990s altered this dynamic, leading to greater involvement of native English speakers. These programs now appeal to both English learners—enabling them to develop their native languages while acquiring English—and native English speakers, who are often motivated by the practical benefits of knowing a second language in an increasingly global job market.
Addressing Access and Equity Issues
The access students have to dual-language programs heavily influences who benefits. For example, efforts in Los Angeles have initiated equity-enhancing strategies, ensuring that English learners have priority enrollment based on their language background. Recommendations for improving equity in access include increasing transportation options for students and launching programs in neighborhoods predominantly occupied by English learners.
At Pueblo Elementary, enrollment has steadily increased over the last year, with the student body showcasing diverse cultural backgrounds. However, only about 2% of these students are English learners, leading to concerns from parents about the feasibility of this demographic benefiting from dual-language instruction. Hummon addresses these worries by highlighting the importance of language acquisition as an essential life skill, crucial for effective communication in an interconnected world.
Conclusion
As dual-language immersion programs continue to evolve, their potential to bridge cultural gaps and foster meaningful connections in increasingly diverse classrooms becomes more evident. While challenges remain, including funding cuts and access inequities, the benefits of bilingual education are clear. Schools like Pueblo Elementary demonstrate a successful model for promoting language development, cultural appreciation, and academic achievement.
