Linda Espinosa, in collaboration with the Foundation for Child Development, has authored an update to the "seminal" 2008 report on bilingual language development among children from pre-K through third grade. The policy to action brief is intended to identify and dispel common myths about how language develops among dual-language learners with the goal helping policymakers understand bilingualism and its unique effect on language development. Myths identified: 1) learning 2 languages is confusing; 2) language development looks the same for bilinguals and monolinguals; 3) full English immersion from pre-K - 3rd grade is the best route for English language acquisition; 4) English immersion is necessary because we can't provide bilingual instruction for speakers of all languages; 5) Latino children show social and academic delays entering kindergarten; 6) native English speakers will show delays when enrolled in dual-language programs; 7) first language development is irrelevant is instruction is in English-only. Great report that is worth a read and worth distributing.
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