Lawmakers Approve Bilingual Initiative

Lawmakers approved legislation Tuesday encouraging students to learn a second language. The measure authorizes what’s called a dual language immersion pilot program.

Students in the immersion program would begin simultaneous instruction in two languages beginning in elementary school. The legislature is setting aside $500,000 dollars in grants to pay for it.  Auburn Republican Sen. Dennis Kruse, who authored the bill, says it could help Indiana graduates as they enter the job market.  

“When people learn a second language fluently, you actually become a smarter person," Kruse said. "You score better in your other classes. You end up becoming a more successful person.”

The legislation also authorizes the Indiana Department of Education to create a state certificate of biliteracy.  The designation will appear on a student’s transcript if they meet requirements that will be developed by the State Board of Education.