Can Bilingual Programs Prevent Home Language Loss for Spanish-Speaking Students?

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Bilingual Education Research Poster Session: Research and Implications for Bilingual and Multilingual Students

Abstract

While research has shown a student’s first language to be an asset in second language development, academic achievement, and healthy ethnic identity development, U.S. students who have a home language other than English are also at an increased risk for home language loss when that language is not intentionally supported. Bilingual programs have demonstrated the potential to simultaneously promote L1 and English language development; however, little research to date has examined the role of bilingual education in warding off first language loss or promoting further development, particularly in elementary school. The purpose of this study is to add to this research base.

Authors

• Martha Irene Martinez, SEAL

• Guadalupe Diaz, Sobrato Early Academic Language

• Sheila Cassidy, Wexford, Inc .