Improving Bilingual Education for All Learners

A paradox marks bilingual education in the United States. On the one hand, many states encourage high school students to learn a second language by awarding them seals of biliteracy on their diplomas. On the other, young children who come to school with skills in languages other than English are not encouraged to retain these skills and are even penalized for using them.

Yet bilingual education benefits all children, including native English speakers. It enhances cognitive skills such as problem solving, executive function, and multitasking. Students in bilingual programs perform as well or better in English literacy and other subjects like math and science. Learning a second language strengthens brain function, fosters cultural awareness, and provides long-term academic and career advantages. …