Dual-Language Instruction

Third grade teacher Ambreen Bhatti leads a lesson at Allen Jay Elementary School in High Point, N.C., on Jan. 28, 2025.
Third grade teacher Ambreen Bhatti leads a lesson at Allen Jay Elementary School in High Point, N.C., on Jan. 28, 2025.
Rachel Jessen for Education Week
English Learners How Schools Build Dual-Language Programs for Less Commonly Taught Languages
Researchers highlight some of the unique solutions to challenges faced when teaching in less commonly taught languages.
Ileana Najarro, April 29, 2025
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5 min read
English Learners Spotlight Spotlight on Supporting Emergent Bilinguals
This Spotlight will explore strategies to best support English learners in their language acquisition and academic success.
April 22, 2025
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English Learners Video How Translanguaging Works in a Dual Language Program
Students in a N.C. dual-language program learn core subjects in both English and Urdu, preserving heritage and boosting bilingual skills.
Kaylee Domzalski & Ileana Najarro, April 22, 2025
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1 min read
An illustration of a speech bubble on a blue background. The American Flag takes up the entire inside of the speech bubble.
iStock/Getty
English Learners Trump Has Made English the Official Language. What That Means for Schools
Experts spoke with Education Week about the potential challenges and opportunities an official U.S. language creates.
Ileana Najarro, March 5, 2025
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6 min read
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One of the last projects U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona oversaw was the publication of playbooks on how to establish and sustain dual-language immersion programs across the country.
Courtesy of U.S. Department of Education
English Learners How Schools Can Expand Dual-Language Immersion Programs
Bipartisan state and local demand for dual-language immersion programs continues to grow.
Ileana Najarro, February 12, 2025
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4 min read
Photograph of a Hispanic elementary school girl writing at her desk in a classroom setting
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English Learners Q&A What’s Ahead for the 5.3 Million English Learners in Our Schools?
If English learners do well, the whole nation will, says the outgoing director of the federal office of English language acquisition.
Ileana Najarro, December 19, 2024
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6 min read
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. He shared anti-immigrant rhetoric targeting the Haitian immigrant community of Springfield, Ohio.
Alex Brandon/AP
English Learners Amid Political Attacks on Ohio Immigrants, How Schools Can Support Newcomers
Former President Trump's anti-immigrant rumors shed light on how an Ohio town's schools have helped newcomers.
Ileana Najarro, September 11, 2024
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5 min read
Second grade students listen to their teacher Dalia Gerardo at West Elementary, in Russellville, Ala.
Second grade students listen to their teacher Dalia Gerardo at West Elementary, in Russellville, Ala. The need for more bilingual educators is one of the top policy priorities for English-learner education.
Tamika Moore for Education Week
English Learners Experts' Top Policy Priorities for English-Learner Education
A new outline of national priorities from parents, researchers, and policymakers.
Ileana Najarro, April 9, 2024
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5 min read
English Learners Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Dual Language Learning?
Answer 7 questions about dual language learning.
April 8, 2024
Photo of Hispanic teacher helping Hispanic elementary school boy using a tablet computer
iStock/Getty
English Learners The Challenge of Growing Dual Language Programs, in Charts
As the English learner population grows nationwide, researchers and education leaders are grappling with how best to serve these students.
Ileana Najarro, September 29, 2023
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1 min read
Spanish teacher Titi Martin-Borregon teaches fourth grade Spanish/English dual language class students at the New Mexico International School in Albuquerque, N.M., on May 23, 2022.
Spanish teacher Titi Martin-Borregon teaches 4th grade Spanish/English dual language class students at the New Mexico International School in Albuquerque, N.M., on May 23, 2022.
Cedar Attanasio/AP
English Learners Recruiting More Bilingual Teachers: The Challenges and Solutions
A new report highlights why more bilingual teachers are needed and how to build such a pipeline.
Ileana Najarro, September 19, 2023
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5 min read
A group of fourth grade students complete lessons in Spanish in the Global Immersion Academy program at Mountain View Elementary School, on Sept. 18, 2022, in Morganton, N.C. With the inaugural class of the Global Immersion Academy (GIA) at at the school entering fourth grade this year, Burke County Public Schools is seeing more signs of success for its dual language program.
A group of fourth grade students complete lessons in Spanish in the Global Immersion Academy program at Mountain View Elementary School, on Sept. 18, 2022, in Morganton, N.C. With the inaugural class of the Global Immersion Academy (GIA) at at the school entering fourth grade this year, Burke County Public Schools is seeing more signs of success for its dual language program.
Jason Koon/The News-Herald via AP
English Learners The Equity Question of Dual Language Programs
While interest in dual language programs is growing, questions remain over how to ensure English learners get first pick at seats.
Ileana Najarro, May 19, 2023
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7 min read
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U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona talks to a group of 3rd grade students on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Escuela Key Elementary School in Arlington, Va. Cardona visited the school along with a group of education leaders from countries across the globe to demonstrate strong U.S. multilingual programs.
Courtesy of U.S. Department of Education
English Learners Secretary Cardona Shows Off Dual-Language School to International Education Leaders
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona visited Escuela Key Elementary School in Arlington, Va., to promote multilingual learning.
Libby Stanford, April 25, 2023
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5 min read
Joyce Yang, center, and other students participate in Fresno Unified’s Hmong Dual Immersion program at Vang Pao Elementary on Feb. 23, 2023 in Fresno.
Joyce Yang, center, and other students participate in Fresno Unified’s Hmong Dual Immersion program at Vang Pao Elementary on Feb. 23, 2023 in Fresno.
Eric Paul Zamora/The Fresno Bee via TNS
English Learners A Dual Immersion Program That’s Unique—and Seeing Academic Returns
After launching in 2018, the program in Fresno, Calif., is already showing social-emotional and academic benefits.
Julianna Morano, The Fresno Bee, March 17, 2023
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10 min read
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