Department of Education’s Proposal for Dual Language Instruction Stirs Debate

Critics say this approach stalls academic progress for students who are still learning English.

Hispanic students participate in Spanish class at Birdwell Elementary School in Tyler, Texas. Mario Villafuerte/Getty Images

In his final days as U.S. secretary of education, Miguel Cardona provided every state governor with a plan he says will improve English language proficiency while still promoting the native languages that 5.3 million students speak at home.

His “Dual Language Immersion Playbook,” released on Dec. 19, asks public schools to consider providing instruction in two languages across multiple subjects, not just English or foreign language classes.