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Mixed Results On English Immersion In Schools

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(Vasta/Flickr)
(Vasta/Flickr)

Eight years ago, voters in Massachusetts decided that non-native English speakers should be immersed in the English language. It's a departure from bilingual education, where students can learn subjects such as math and science in their native language while simultaneously learning English.

The implementation has varied across the Bay State, and so have the results. Critics say many students have been denied the same educational opportunities that other students have. But supporters say immersion is the fastest way to learn. Looking at the data, the impact of this switch is not clear-cut.

Guests:

  • Rosalie Porter,  education consultant and the former director of English as a Second Language Programs in Newton Public Schools
  • Miren Uriarte, researcher at the Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy at UMass Boston

This program aired on July 20, 2010.

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