Early Literacy Instruction in Dual Language Preschools (Spanish/English)

Over the years, many policy makers, educators, and parents have supported English-only preschool programs for English language learners (ELLs), based on the supposition that greater exposure to the English language would result in faster and more complete mastery (Genesee, 2008).

Recent research (Barnett, Yarosz, Thomas, Jung, & Blanco, 2007), however, has shown that:

  1. ELLs in Spanish/English dual language programs can make gains in English comparable to those of children in English-only programs
  2. Both ELLs and native English speakers tend to demonstrate significant growth in Spanish as a result of dual language instruction, resulting in children who are truly bilingual. By Karen Ford

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