Bilingual education may become part of every school’s curriculum in the near future. The California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) recently addressed why bilingual education is important and must be integrated to change the way people think.
President Barack Obama made several proposals that cater to young people of all backgrounds. The Department of Education cited that the President proposed investments in early learning, particularly dual-language learning opportunities among young children.
He also proposed creating school environments that encourage cultural competence that leverage the native languages of students, which will ultimately support the Native youth. President Obama also proposed investing in the preparation of principals and teachers for bilingual education. The creation of dual language schools would help discourage segregation in schools.
Dual language programs were shown to provide the benefit of letting individuals speak and understand at least two languages, as well as improving their academic performance. Ten to 15 years ago, people had the wrong notion that speaking another language aside from English at home was a disadvantage. The stigma has changed much since then and bilingualism is now considered an asset by many people.
The Los Angeles Daily News writes that children in bilingual programs actually perform better in English reading compared to students who were in immersion programs that only taught English. More studies and research are showing that bilingual students have the advantage in terms of developing their problem-solving skills, literacy and outlook towards people of all races. Bilingual or multilingual education among students is important because they gain a better sense of themselves and their community. They learn how to appreciate diversity and undesrstand their future better.
There are also surveys that show how majority of employers prefer bilingual employees. Workers become better equipped when working in different locations and are more prepared in new environment and dealing with people of various backgrounds. Students who do not speak English at home have les access to quality teaches, resources to success and advanced coursework. This issue needs to be addressed immediately.
The Department of Education stressed that they aim for all students to have the gift of bi-literacy or multi-literacy. More bilingual teachers at every level is needed. Currently in the United States, only 18% of teachers are of color. Diversity should be guaranteed among principals and educators. By embracing bilingual education, all students can get equal opportunities.
More updates and details on the integration of bilingual education in California schools and across the United States are expected soon.
