In rural America, non-native English speakers often face challenges in receiving proper support in school, leading to lower educational attainment. However, some rural schools are stepping up to develop multilingual education strategies that are on par with those found in urban and suburban districts.
One such example is in rural DuBois County, Indiana, where administrators are prioritizing English-learner education. Despite facing funding challenges common in small schools, the Southwest DuBois County School District has implemented a “gold standard” dual language immersion program. This program provides students with 50 percent of instruction in English and 50 percent in Spanish, allowing them to learn both languages effectively while interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Initially met with skepticism from both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking families, the program has since garnered support as its benefits have become apparent. Spanish-speaking students not only maintain their conversational skills but also receive formal instruction in grammar, spelling, and reading in their native language. This approach nurtures bilingualism without hindering academic progress, as studies show that bilingual children often have improved focus and reasoning skills.
The success of DuBois County’s bilingual education program highlights the need for similar initiatives in other rural school districts, especially as demographics shift and more English-learner students enroll. To support these programs, community engagement and parental involvement are crucial. Programs like “Cafe en el Parque” and “Emergent Bilingual” help build trust and accessibility for families, while initiatives like “Bilingual Village” foster community partnerships to reinforce language skills.
As the Latino population grows in rural areas, educators like Esmeralda Cruz emphasize the importance of tailored support for non-native English speakers. From gold-standard bilingual education programs to itinerant ESL teachers, rural schools need to explore diverse strategies to meet the needs of multilingual students effectively. Professional development, federal grants, and community engagement are essential tools for rural schools looking to enhance their multilingual education offerings and support the diverse needs of their students.
