Early Language Learning Programs: Reaping the Benefits, Facing the Challenges: LOTE CED Communiqué - Issue 4

The benefits of early language learning have long been evident to those involved in language education. With recent media coverage on brain and language acquisition research, awareness of and interest in early language learning have increased dramatically. Parents, legislators, business people, and educators have become more interested in instructional programs that allow students to begin foreign language learning at a young age and continue that learning through secondary school.

This edition of LOTE CED Communiqué describes the types of early language learning programs that currently exist, provide a rationale for implementing a language immersion model, and discuss the program choices that different districts might make according to their varied circumstances.