North Carolina School Excels In Teaching Dual Language Learners

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There are many approaches to teaching English language learners, but the Collinswood Language Academy in Charlotte, NC is worth attention having produced some of the highest math achievers in the district.

Students learn math in Spanish; but the end-of-year math exams are in English.

The high performance has carried over to reading where the dual language learners, Hispanic and African-American, learn in English and teachers attribute the gains to student engagement. The 750-student K-8 school is in a working class neighborhood where entrance in is through a lottery.

The State is planning to replicate its success with a dual-language program in each of its 115 districts to meet the demand of its growing numbers of Spanish speaking people and is partnering with colleges and universities to develop a cadre of bilingual, biliterate teachers.

International faculty are also being recruited - primarily from Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

Learn more about this important program in Education Week.