What The Research Shows
In this type of program children learn in a very stimulating and creative way, which can lead to intellectual flexibility and high academic achievement. Students of foreign language score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. In its 1992 report, College Bound Seniors: The 1992 Profile of SAT and Achievement Test Takers, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that students who averaged four or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than those who had studied four or more years in other subject areas. In addition, the average mathematics score for individuals who had taken four or more years in foreign language study was identical to the average score of those who had studied four years of mathematics. These findings are consistent with College Board profiles of previous years.
Students of foreign languages also have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. Some evidence suggests that children who receive second language instruction are more creative and better at solving complex problems. The benefits to society are many: Americans fluent in other languages enhance our economic competitiveness abroad and improve global communications.
With this said, we must remember that this program is not about higher test scores. There are added benefits to this program — both cultural and academic — but the ultimate goal of the program is development of biliterate, bilingual children.
