Investigación y Datos- Research & Data

• English learners are included in mainstream instruction and not socially isolated from their peers

• Dual language teachers use innovative and effective second language teaching strategies (e.g., lots of extra clues to meaning) to better meet the instructional needs of both English learners and native English speakers

• Research-tested instructional strategies such as cooperative learning enable diverse students to help and learn directly from one another

• Dual language students experience a greater cognitive range and a higher overall cognitive level, both leading to higher long-term achievement

• Both language groups are equally challenged in their second languages and can identify with each other instructionally and emotionally

• Both language groups can be “experts” when the instructional lesson is in their home language

• Friendships can develop across language and social class barriers

• Students can receive sociocultural comfort from their teachers trained to understand and meet their needs

Dual language programs significantly raise test scores for all participating student groups, including native English speakers.

Dual language programs have the power to reverse much of the negative impact of poverty on English learners' achievement.

Dual language programs are twice as powerful as either traditional bilingual or English-only programs in closing achievement gaps for English learners.

Overall, proficient bilinguals outperform monolinguals in the following:

• Creativity

• Problem Solving

• Divergent Thinking

• Mental Flexibility

• Executive Function:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Ability to Ignore Distractions
  • Task Switching
  • Working Memory
  • Conflict Management

• Sensory Processing

• Visual-spatial Skills

Finally, proficient bilinguals are more resistant to the potential onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.