The growth of dual-immersion foreign language programs in Top of Utah schools is a big plus for students. Knowing more than a primary language can be a strong advantage for those who take the initiative to gain such a communication edge in a global economy and workplace. What better idea than to start learning to be bilingual as soon as one can.
Four schools in two local districts have dual-immersion programs. So far, 45 public elementary schools statewide use dual immersion. The concept involves students spending half the day speaking in a foreign language and the other half using English. There are state grants available to schools that want to start the programs.
Parents' and students' interest are important. We hope enough parents are concerned about their children's education to help dual immersion become even more popular. The program, whether it's Spanish or Chinese, etc., is not just about the language. It also involves learning math, literacy, culture and composition in the new language being learned.
The ultimate success depends on the dedication of all involved, teachers, parents and students. At Uintah Elementary, in the Weber School District, there is a Chinese and English dual-immersion program.
At Uintah, 56 students are offered the program at each grade. At the school, Principal Quinn Karlinsky said that in five years half of the school's students will speak Chinese.
As we have mentioned, we are living in a world with constant cultural, economic, and other changes and advances that make it a strong asset to both speak a foreign language fluently and also have a strong knowledge of other cultures. The dual-immersion program provides one key to making sure Utah's students have all the advantages they can obtain before they leave for college and the adult world.
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