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As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, being able to communicate well across language boundaries can be a great asset. Dual language programs are becoming more common, with some right here in Eastern Oregon.

School districts in Umatilla and Milton-Freewater offer instruction in Spanish and English and in Pendleton there is a Heritage Language program that gives lessons to students in the native Umatilla tongue. Programs such as these can offer cognitive and social advantages beyond just bilingualism and some of the benefits are just beginning to show.

One proven benefit of dual language programs is an increase in cognitive abilities. Having to switch between different languages stimulates the brain to help improve executive functioning and critical thinking skills. The enhanced attention and task-switching capabilities of bilinguals can translate to improvements in academic areas as well. A Portland research study found that students in dual language programs outperformed their peers in English reading. David Lougee, the coordinator for ELD and bilingual programs in Umatilla, notes that they’ve observed similar results among their Spanish/English students.

The advantages of dual language instruction extend beyond cognitive functioning into the social and emotional realm.

Learning a new language exposes students to the culture and stories of those who are different. By taking on a more expansive world view it helps build empathy. For students who come to school without exposure to the English language, being able to have instruction in their native tongues can reduce stress by allowing them to focus on academic concepts without the added difficulty of learning a new language at the same time.

There is also more family engagement and collaboration when other languages are valued and taught in school. Seeingmultilingualism as something to strive for helps non-English speakers feel like they don’t have to give up their native tongue in order to be successful and that they can help teach others who are also trying to communicate in new ways. Mytwo youngest kids participate in the dual language program at McNary Heights Elementary and, though they are not fluent in Spanish, I’ve really enjoyed seeing their growth in these other realms as they venture outside their comfort zones and make attempts to connect with others across cultural divides. As our society becomes more globalized, having

exposure to diverse values and traditions opens doors to understanding for students.

With all the benefits of dual language instruction, these programs will likely expand, however there are also inherent challenges with their implementation. Umatilla School District’s dual language program began five years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools. Teaching kindergartners online became a feat in itself but adding dual language instruction to the mix made it especially challenging.

Lougee acknowledged the difficulties in trying to build a program where everything is new to staff and families.

Additionally, finding bilingual staff to fill the roles is something they’ve had to work on each year, as well as trying to maintain a good balance between students enrolled in the dual language and English-only classes. Despite these obstacles, the benefits of the dual language program are encouraging as the positive effects for the staff, students and families continue to grow.

Dual language instruction continues to expand in schools as people become increasingly aware of the positive outcomes. Besides being able to speak two languages, students reap the benefits of cognitive, social, and emotional gains. It can provide ongoing opportunities for students in an interconnected world, while expanding their capacity for understanding and compassion, valuable skills that all can benefit from.