Studies have demonstrated that students who participate in dual language programs show higher levels of reading achievement when compared to students in monolingual classrooms (Hakuta, 1986).  People who are bilingual develop a mental agility that researchers call “brain plasticity”.  Brain plasticity enhances students’ problem solving abilities in math, physics and language.

In 2000, Thomas and Collier stated that English language learners who participate in well implemented dual language programs outperformed comparable monolingual students in academic achievement after four to seven years in the program.  In 2001, Dr. Kathryn Lindholm-Leary conducted a study that also confirmed that dual language students not only score on par with their monolingual peers but even function at and above grade level when learning in two languages in the content areas.

In a Dual Language Program students demonstrate communication skills in two languages.  Due to a learning environment that requires collaboration and celebrates the value of diversity, children become global citizens.  “Children develop a sense of cultural pluralism, openness and appreciation of other cultures” (Met, 1995)

For additional information, click on links provided below

http://www.lindholm-leary.com/

http://www.thomasandcollier.com/Research%20Links.htm

http://nepc.colorado.edu/author/escamilla-kathy