Early Years

The early years offer the best opportunity to learn a second language, studies have shown. Chicago school officials are putting that finding into practice with a new dual-language program for 3- and 4-year-olds in 13 schools.

Under this model, which began last month, preschoolers whose first language is Spanish will learn in the same classroom with those who are bilingual or speak English. The children will be taught both languages by being "immersed" in English for half the day and in Spanish the other half.

The new program, which will be extended through the 3rd grade over the next five years, is being implemented in schools that have a significant Hispanic population. Hispanic students make up 31 percent...