New York State Officials Want To Push Ahead With Bilingual Education
TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- New York state officials said Monday that they are giving a fresh look at how bilingual classes are taught in the state.
As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported, in the future, state officials would like to see bilingual education for all students.
Next year, districts will be required to provide such classes if they have more than 20 non-English speakers for the same age.
Some Westchester County districts are already full steam ahead with dual language programs. Half the students are native English speakers, while half are not.
The programs involve two teachers teaching identical lessons in two languages – one of them usually Spanish.
The programs are also viewed as a way to bring respect and understanding, and to bridge cultural divides.
The Journal News reported on a recent visit, a state education official was impressed with the dual language class in Tarrytown.
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