Our country's student population is becoming increasingly diverse and schools continue to grapple with finding the best strategy for teaching English Learners. Research has increasingly shown that the most effective way to teach English learners is through bilingual or dual-immersion classes.

Critics say that teaching English Learners in their native language is ineffective: they argue that students use their first language as a crutch and never learn to master English. However, evidence has shown quite the contrary: that teaching in their native langauge can be the crucial difference between English Learners who succeed in school and those who fall further and further behind.

English Learners in Baldwin Park's dual immersion program recently made headlines for their improved test scores at the elementary level.  A recent profile on Geddes Elementary School found that more than 60% of 3rd grade English Learners scored proficient or advanced on English standardized tests for 2010. English Learners at Geddes were part of a dual immersion program in which 90% of the instruction was in Spanish, their native language. These students demonstrate that learning a second language simultaneously with your native language doesn’t cause confusion or lack of proficiency in either language.

Administrators are often so clouded by the politics of teaching English Learners in their native language that they ignore the evidence: data shows that students who learn two languages do better throughout their educational journey. And the benefits of bilingualism go beyond just improved test scores. Just as meaningful is the enriched experience of being able to speak two and embrace two cultures. More schools should consider investing in programs that teach their English Learners in their native language.