The New Jersey Department of Education has recognized five districts for their outstanding second language programs. The districts, which were honored at a ceremony in Trenton, will serve as models of best practices in dual language immersion and world language education programs.
The Department developed criteria and reviewed applications to designate the exemplary second language programs. The programs were identified through a process involving extensive review, which included a site visit conducted by Department officials and a team of educators from around the state.
“Research in cognitive science shows that learning and using more than one language strengthens the brain and builds essential skills such as attention, flexibility, problem-solving, and self-regulation,” said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education. “Beyond these academic and developmental benefits, investing in multilingualism empowers young people to better understand the communities around them, build meaningful connections, honor diverse perspectives, and fully participate in a world where communication and cultural competence matter more than ever.”
“Multilingualism honors students’ sense of self, expands opportunities for students, and strengthens our communities,” said Kathy Goldenberg, President of the State Board of Education. “When learners are literate in their home language as well as an additional language, they have acquired tools that open doors for post-secondary success, whether it is in college, career, the military, or any other pursuit in life.”
Model programs will be open to educators and administrators from other school districts, who can discuss ideas with their colleagues and can visit the model programs to observe exemplary practices in second language instruction.
Of the six awards, three were presented for dual language immersion programs, which provide literacy and subject-area instruction to all students through two languages, and three awards were for world language programs, which deliver content and instruction in a language other than English for a designated time during the school day.
Dual Language Immersion Award recipients:
- Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLA) – K-8 Spanish One Way Immersion
- North Plainfield School District – K-4 Spanish One Way Immersion and K-4 Spanish Two Way Immersion
- West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District – K-5 Spanish Two Way Immersion and Chinese Two Way Immersion
World Language Award recipients:
- Egg Harbor Township – Hispanohablantes/Heritage Speaker Program
- Summit Public School District – K-5 World Languages
- West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District – 2-12 World Languages
Additional information about each program and instruction on how to schedule a visit is available on the Department’s Model Programs website.
