Department of Education’s Proposal for Dual Language Instruction Stirs Debate

In his final days as U.S. secretary of education, Miguel Cardona provided every state governor with a plan he says will improve English language proficiency while still promoting the native languages that 5.3 million students speak at home. His “Dual Language Immersion Playbook,” released on Dec. 19, asks public schools to consider providing instruction in two languages across multiple subjects, not just English or foreign language classes. It does not specify a second language, even though Spanish is the native tongue of most English learners (ELs) in the United States. While some state governors, education leaders, and school board members may be reviewing this playbook, President-elect Donald Trump plans a major overhaul of the U.S. Department of Education....