All K-8 students could have access to dual language learning under new OSPI proposal
.JPG "State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal talks to the media about the decision to close schools in response to COVID-19 on March 12.")
K-8 students in Washington could have more access to dual language programs under a new plan announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal Aug. 24.
“Our students deserve the opportunity in their public schools to genuinely say they went to the best education system in the country, and ultimately in the world,” Reykdal said during a press conference. “And that is what we’re trying to build out.”
Only 102 dual language programs are currently offered in 42 school districts and Tribal compact schools in Washington, Reykdal said. This means that approximately 35,000 students now have access to dual language programs.
All K-8 students would have access to dual language learning by 2040 under Reykdal’s proposal.
A dual language program offers the chance for English-speaking students to be immersed with students who speak other languages, and for students who speak other languages to be able to learn with English-speaking students, something Reykdal called “remarkable.”
Past investments from the Legislature have helped some schools develop and roll out their dual language programs, Reykdal noted. Programs in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin exist now, and five local Tribes also teach their traditional Native languages including Kalispel Salish, Lushootseed, Makah, Quileute, and Quilshootseed as part of dual language programs, he added.
OSPI is already seeking grants from the state Legislature this upcoming session for the 2023-24 school year, which would add dual language learning for 49 new districts, Reykdal said. By 2026-27, the start-up grants in those areas would become “full-scale program launches.”
By the 2029-30 school year, Reykdal said 34 more districts would be included, and by 2040 all districts in Washington would then have dual language programs. This amounts to 80-90% of K-8 students with accessibility to dual language learning by 2030, Reykdal said.
The planning grants will cost about $12.8 million for the next biennium, but Reykdal said the program is “very reasonable” compared to other investments. About $6 million would go towards stipends and bonuses for teachers to help roll out the program, according to Reykdal.
Because Washington will be offering 84 languages for students, getting a “seal of biliteracy” also carries a big cost for things such as assessment tests, he noted. OSPI will request between $18 million and $20 million for the next biennium. In total, $18.9 million will be requested from the Legislature for investments in the 2023-25 school years.
Students who test proficient enough in another language will earn a “seal of biliteracy” in Washington, which Reykdal said is the ultimate goal. This increases economic opportunities later when students are trying to compete in the job market, he said.
Dual language learning at early ages enhances literacy and cognitive flexibility, and has many other positive benefits, the superintendent said. “Two-way language” learning is the most successful model, Reykdal. said, where entire subjects are taught in a second language. Students are able to learn from immersion and having more exposure to other students who can already speak another language, he said.
The press conference was the third in a series of nine where OSPI and Reykdal will continue to announce new policy and budget transformations for K-12 schools in Washington. The series will run through November.
This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 3:00 PM.
