Chapter 12

Chapter 12 is all about educational programs that focus on dual language academic proficiency. For the most part, our country focuses on making all students proficient in English. English proficiency is what is required for High School graduation. Second-and Foreign-Language Immersion programs for majority-language students caught my attention in this chapter. “Second-language immersion, also called enrichment education, provides academic and language instruction in two languages” (Diaz-Rico, pg. 320). I believe this model would benefit at least Border States in our country where Spanish is so common. The Education of our children would also be so rich in that most other countries in the world focus on teaching 2 languages to their students if not more. The other danger for some English learners is that they become proficient in English, while almost becoming less fluent in reading, writing, and speaking in their first language. In speaking about second language immersion programs, “Second language skills: Immersion students by far outperform students in traditional foreign language classes. They are functionally proficient in the immersion language and are able to communicate according to their age and grade level” (http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/normandale/ourschool/frenchimm.html). It obviously would be a very hard road to convince many English speaking parents that their children will now be taught in Spanish at least for part of the day as opposed English. Our world is definitely getting smaller, and knowing a foreign language is so beneficial in terms of job opportunities for all. Many of our English learners have the skills needed to succeed in a global economy, especially when becoming fluent in both Spanish and English. I would not be surprised if one day in America we too adopt the method of second language immersion programs in order to keep with the rest of the world.

Amanda Wright claims to have already begun the process of teaching her lessons in two different languages and has seen great improvement in her students test scores. I guess the question is, does learning in a different language give students the ability to think more critically when their culture is preserved? I think the answer is undoubtedly yes because the student is now required to think critically about every word they hear. I am still a one language speaker but I am seriously considering trying to learn Spanish in our ever changing world so that I can serve students better. Lindsay Hughes also wrote about the dual language immersion programs that were in her district. These classes split their population in two in that English speakers and non native English speakers are in the same class. Instruction is delivered in both languages. This is a great model because it requires collaboration and also promotes unity among those who are not the same race. I honestly wish there were more dual language immersion programs in our districts because I feel that gaining and learning a new language is an invaluable skill which is why I admire our English learners so much.