In 2008, a bill passed in Utah to develop and expand dual language education throughout the state. Programs were initially created with Chinese, French, and Spanish as the partner languages. According to this video, German and Portuguese programs have now been created. In the 2011-2012 school year, there were 57 dual language programs in Utah. Their goal is to have 100 schools serving 30,000 students by 2015.
The Utah State Office of Education explains the benefits of dual language immersion.
- Second Language Skills - Students achieve high proficiency in the immersion language.
- Improved Performance on Standardized Tests - Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English.
- Enhanced Cognitive Skills - Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior problem solving skills as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
- Increased Cultural Sensitivity - Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
- Long Term Benefits - Immersion students are better prepared for the global community and job markets where a second language is an asset.
