GREGG ROBERTS and OFELIA WADE: In Utah, foreign language immersion becomes the norm

It is Utah’s quest to give all students the chance to become linguistically proficient and culturally competent by mainstreaming Dual Language Immersion programs for students of diverse abilities, across all socioeconomic categories and in large and small communities throughout the state.By: Gregg Roberts and Ofelia Wade, Grand Forks Herald

SALT LAKE CITY — Monolingualism is the illiteracy of the 21st century. On today’s world stage, multilingual skills and cultural competence have taken the lead roles, as the 21st century showcases the emerging professionals of a future competitive global workforce.

Thus, it is Utah’s quest to give all students the chance to become linguistically proficient and culturally competent by mainstreaming Dual Language Immersion programs for students of diverse abilities, across all socioeconomic categories and in large and small communities throughout the state.

Utah’s statewide initiative is a lofty, ambitious and unprecedented effort to improve language skills in ways that address the state’s business, government and education needs.

In 2008, under the leadership of former Gov. Jon Huntsman, then-Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert and State Sen. Howard Stephenson, the Utah Legislature passed Senate Bill 41, providing funding for Dual Language Immersion programs and charging the Utah State Office of Education with creating a world-class immersion program.

Please read more here.