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I'm currently enrolled in an ESOL endorsement program at a local University. I have seen many studies that show it takes two years to reach a fluency in a language where students are comfortable in a social setting (BICS-Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) and then between 5-7 years to be comfortable in an academic setting (CALP-Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency.) With the numerous studies that support the idea that it takes a long time to become proficient in a second language, it makes sense to continue content teaching in a bi-lingual setting. It seems almost counter-intuitive that students learn English better by teaching them in their home language, but if we look closer at it, it does make sense. When one is familiar with grammar and syntax in their own language, they are able to understand rules in a second language. Studies point to "late-exit" bilingual programs as contributing to the highest academic scores across the board. I wish people could be aware of these facts because we really need to help all who come to America to not just survive, but thrive.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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