Benefits of Education

Prominent benefits evidenced from research studies of students in DLI programs include:

• increased executive functioning and cognitive control
• higher learner engagement
• intercultural competence
• closing of achievement gaps
• personal, social, and civic benefits
• proficiency in more than one language
• economic benefits for both learners and community through stronger competitiveness within the job market and a return on the investment in DLI programs

*Based on research studies from Alladi, et al., 2013; American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL); Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition (CARLA); Cummins, 2000; Fortune, 2012; Garcia and Náñez, 2011; Thomas and Collier, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017).

Cognition and Behavior

Students engaged in DLI education benefit from a variety of increased cognitive abilities, which yield corresponding gains in linguistic ability and complexity and vice versa. DLI education allows students to attain much higher levels of proficiency in the second language than traditional language classes, which typically focus on social or cultural settings. In contrast, DLI classes use the new language through content areas, in an acquisition process that parallels first language development at both the conversational and the academic levels.

Global research continues to find that the most powerful predictor of EL achievement in their second language is the degree of development of their first language through school curriculum. (Baker, 2011; Bialystok, 2001; Christian and Genesee, 2001; Collier and Thomas, 2012; Cummins, 2000; García et al., 2006; Tabors, 1997).

Language Proficiency

For fluent native English speakers, beginning second language instruction at an early age facilitates native-like pronunciation, something rarely achieved in world language classes taught at the secondary level. (Collier and Thomas, 2012).

Students are even more proficient in a second language when in a DLI Program then if they were to study a second Language in College.

Dual language programs are proving to be far more beneficial to English Language Learners (ELLs) than simply placing those students in English-speaking classrooms

A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that ELLs in dual language programs are more likely to succeed academically in a number of key areas. In comparison to English learners who were not enrolled in dual language programs, these students were found to:

• Outperform their peers on state reading tests
• Be more likely to be classified as “English proficient” by grade 6

Build Confidence and Empower Students

The integrated nature of dual language programs brings further benefits to ELLs in US classrooms. In contrast to English-only classes, these students are able to continue to use their native language in dual language immersion classrooms and also maintain their sense of identity and heritage. This can be a boost to student self-esteem and confidence.

In turn, this confidence helps to improve students’ communication skills, both in their new language and their native one. Through re-learning how to express themselves, they improve their ability to communicate clearly. The nature of dual language classes also ensures that students gain confidence in public speaking, regardless of which language they are using.

More Effective Than Traditional Language Learning

When English Language Learners have an authentic opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and to shine in their school setting, they will truly grasp how capable they are and that their possibilities are endless. They are no longer in a situation where they are starting from behind; rather the classroom playing field is level for everyone. Students who experience success, no matter the language, are more motivated and interested in classroom performance

Video produced for Spanish speaking families about the benefits and research behind Spanish Dual Language Immersion:

Opportunities for DLI Graduates

Utah DLI graduates are positioned to pursue post-secondary professional degrees in both languages, as well as study, intern, and work in more than one language and culture.

Graduating from a DLI program may aid in acceptance into preferred colleges and universities and access to scholarships and grants. The academic strength of a DLI diploma can open doors domestically as well as internationally.

Scholarships for Bilingual Students

According to Fastweb.com “The ability to master two languages isn't just impressive, it's award-worthy. That's why scholarship providers like to award language loving students with bilingual scholarships.”

Click the links below for more information:

• Scholarships for Bilingual Students
• Scholarships for Spanish Speaking Students
• Scholarships for Portuguese Speaking Students

Bilinguals Have A Better Chance Of Landing A Job

“With so much business being conducted online, many companies now serve a global market. As such, it’s a great benefit for many businesses to hire employees who speak more than one language. The more of their customers you can communicate with, the more of an asset you are to them. If a job opening comes down to candidates of equal experience and education, but one is fluent in more than one language it’s most likely the bilingual applicant that’s getting the position.” -uei.edu

Extra Job Opportunities

“There are plenty of exciting jobs that can really only be tackled by those who speak another language. Some examples of jobs for bilinguals are translator, interpreter, language teacher, and tour guide. Having an extra language under your belt opens up some doors you may never have considered.” -uei.edu