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American Morning

Dual-Language Programs Cope With Diversifying U.S. Culture

Aired June 01, 2001 - 10:52   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, schools are trying to cope with the needs of students who don't speak English as their primary language.

CNN's Alexa Lee takes a look at one approach.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALEXA LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Listen carefully to these young voices and you'll hear two worlds come together. They're part of dual-language immersion classes in Dalton, Georgia and Lafayette, Colorado. Across the nation there are more than 250 similar programs. Students dominant in English and students dominant in other languages -- usually Spanish -- are placed together in one classroom.

Danielle Polasio's (ph) family speaks Spanish at home.

SUE SUGGS, PIONEER ELEMENTARY: It gives Spanish speakers an opportunity to be in an English environment and learn English. It also gives them a chance to be in a Spanish-language environment where they are taught, for example, reading and math in their first language.

LEE: For native English speakers like 6-year-old Leah Campos (ph), the classes help develop a second language.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: (SPEAKING SPANISH)

LEE: In most programs, at least half the day's instruction is in Spanish. The students split up to focus on reading literacy.

(on camera): The most comprehensive study on dual language classes determine that students can end up outperforming children in traditional one-language classes. Opponents argue, however, dual language classes can make it harder for some children to master English.

DAVID GERSTEN, CENTER FOR EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: They're not helpful for the mostly Spanish kids that are stuck in those programs and, basically, used as tools for helping these other English-speaking kids learn a new language.

LEE: Regardless, the dual-language programs have become so popular most have long waiting lists.

Alexa Lee, CNN, Dalton, Georgia.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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