[EDLING:297] Dual-language classes in Texas stir debate

[Francis M. Hult]

Houston Chronicle

Dual-language classes in Texas stir debate

AUSTIN — Here's the plan: Put young children who struggle with English in a 
classroom with English-speaking students and teach in two languages.

Soon, both groups of children will become bilingual and bi-literate with the 
youngsters helping each other develop two languages, say supporters of the dual 
language immersion program.

But others are balking at the experiment that Texas lawmakers approved this 
spring, contending it's turning classrooms into laboratories.

With House Bill 2814, legislators created a six-year pilot program that will 
test a dual language plan in up to 10 Texas public school districts and 30 
campuses.

English was not the first language for more than 731,000 children attending 
Texas public schools last year.

Full story:
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