If "monolingual is the new stupid," where is the data?

[Anonymous]

As the parent of a child in a dual-immersion program, I'll explain how there's no trade-off between the language and something else. DS learns math and science in Spanish. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish. It works particularly well with math because 1+1=2 in any language. Kids learn from the context and from the native speakers in the class. Math doesn't lose out to Spanish because DS spends the same amount of time in math (and every other subject) as kids in monolingual schools do. DS actually is in school longer because the school system eliminated early release days this year to provide dedicated time to Spanish language arts -- so DS actually has an additional subject, but not at the expense of any others.

PP, I would like my child to learn more than one language, and from what I have seen so far it seems that there is either the immersion route, or a max of 2 classes of foreign language per week, which is simply too little. So, we are leaning towards the immersion route.

Please do tell which school your child is in, and what languages is he/she learning?

From your post, you seem really happy with the program and the school. Thanks

[Anonymous]

We're at Claremont in Arlington and really like the school. Kids learn math, science, Spanish language arts and either music or art (alternates by year) in Spanish, and English language arts, social studies, health and PE in English

[Anonymous]

Oyster in DC is also dual immersion. That's where we are. Another big thumbs up.

I don't think that monolingual is the new stupid by any stretch of the imagination, but I also can't see any good reason not to educate kids in a second language. Even if it's not absolutely essential, it's certainly a bonus.

I just looked at a couple of good job postings. Two of them said "Spanish a plus." If only I were at Oyster with my child!

[Anonymous]

Would love to hear from someone in Fairfax about their immersion experience. There are so many choices: French, German, Spanish, and Japanese!