New NASBE Analysis Highlights the Importance of Bilingual Education for All Students

Alexandria, VA — A new analysis from NASBE explores how state policymakers can unlock the full benefits of bilingual education by both supporting early learners who already speak a language other than English and expanding access to bilingual education for English-only speakers.

Nearly one in three young children in the United States grows up speaking a language other than English at home before entering kindergarten. Research underscores the cognitive, cultural, and academic benefits of bilingual education for all students, including native English speakers. Yet access to bilingual education is limited, and many children who speak non-English languages are often discouraged from maintaining these skills as they progress through school, which can hinder their long-term academic success.

“As one of the most diverse countries in the world—and one built by immigrants—America is uniquely positioned to elevate multilingualism as a central part of public education, helping students thrive academically and succeed in their future careers,” writes author Winona Hao, NASBE’s director of early learning.

The analysis outlines actions state leaders can take to advance bilingual education, including reviewing current policies and practices to set a clear vision for bilingual education, ensuring identification and assessment processes for dual language learners are asset-based and developmentally appropriate, and expanding access to bilingual education through innovative programs and teacher preparation initiatives. It also highlights states leading the way.

For example, the Global California 2030 initiative aims to ensure that half of K-12 students in the state are proficient in two or more languages by 2030. In Texas, five decades after a state law mandated bilingual education, the state runs the largest bilingual educator development program in the US and encourages districts to innovate to fill shortages, such as by helping paraprofessionals become bilingual teachers.

“Bilingual education helps all children become better problem solvers, better at self-control, and better-equipped global citizens,” Hao said. “It’s time to rethink the policies and practices surrounding dual language learning and support all children’s multilingual skills, regardless of their backgrounds or home languages.”

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