In more Mount Vernon elementary schools, students are learning in both Spanish, English

Research shows that students in well-implemented dual language programs tend to outperform their peers in monolingual programs in both language proficiency and academic content, said Cory Mathieu, an assistant professor at Western Washington University’s college of education, who teaches aspiring educators to work in dual language or bilingual programs. 

That’s because if students who are learning English build a “strong foundation” in their primary language, it’s easier for them to learn a second language. 

“When you understand the concepts of language or literacy, like if I understand that letters make sounds in one language, it’s much easier for me to then transfer that knowledge into my new language,” Mathieu said.