Instructional Practices
Does your school district have a growing percentage of Dual Language Learners or English Language Learners? You’re not alone. According to an NEA Policy Brief, by 2025 nearly 25% of all students in public schools will be English Language Learners, the fastest-growing student population group. Even today, 32% of children under 8 years old are dual language learners. From 2000 to 2017, […]
Utah’s Languages of Opportunity
State stresses bilingualism as sure route to work and careers around the globe. When it comes to foreign language study, Utah is emerging as a national trendsetter. The state’s five-year-old dual-language immersion program will likely give Utah students a leg up in the future job market and foreign affairs, and could serve as a model for other states, […]
Little Sponges at the NAEYC Annual Conference
Thank you NAEYC! The Little Sponges® team had a fantastic time at the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this past week. We would like to extend a big thank you to all of the teachers and administrators who stopped by our booth to learn more about […]
Bill Gates Highlights English Learners
During a speech last month at a meeting of the Council of Great City Schools in Cleveland, Ohio, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates outlined a change of direction in his foundation’s approach to education funding in the U.S., while highlighting the application of data analytics to discover priorities for English language learners. He expects to invest […]
Harvard University: Bilingualism as a Life Experience
What do we know about bilingualism? Much of what we once thought we knew — that speaking two languages is confusing for children, that it poses cognitive challenges best avoided — is now known to be inaccurate. Today, bilingualism is often seen as a brain-sharpening benefit, a condition that can protect and preserve cognitive function […]
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bilingual Education Bill
‘This is a great day for the children in the Commonwealth’ In a move to boost the academic performance of more than 90,000 Massachusetts students who lack fluency in English, the state Legislature Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a measure that would allow local schools to teach students in their native tongue. The House and Senate votes, […]