Eric.ed.gov – A Look at Early Language Learning in Utah

The state of Utah is leading the nation in a surge of new elementary language immersion programs. Their unprecedented growth of programs, over a four-year span, has been both intentional and systemic, taking advantage of a supportive base and promoting language learning as a way to increase economic benefits for the state. While math and science are core content components, literacy, aligned to the Common Core English Language Arts, is also an important feature of their immersion curriculum. Gregg Roberts, Utah’s Department of Education World Language consultant and 2009 winner of the Pearson State Supervisor of the Year, answered questions about how the program began, what it looks like, how it builds literacy, and what is being done to sustain it. He responded to questions such as: How did he convince principals that immersion was the approach to take and that it was doable? Was teacher supply a problem? What professional development was provided? How were students assessed and was data being collected? What role does literacy play in the immersion programs? In concluding this interview he encouraged people to look hard at the benefits of immersion, that it should be available to any parent who wants it, so that it becomes the norm rather than the exception–which was the goal in Utah.