Article: Demand High for Dual Immersion Programs in Utah

From http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/54591846-78/language-programs-chinese-dual.html.csp

Demand high for dual immersion programs in Utah
Utah a leader nationwide in number of Chinese language programs offered at elementaries.
By Melinda Rogers
August 1, 2012

This year, approximately 14,000 children will start school in dual immersion programs in Utah, taught in Spanish, French and Chinese. Portuguese will be offered for the first time in 2012, provided by programs at three elementary schools in the Alpine, Murray and Provo school districts.

Demand is greater than the number of chairs open for students, said Gregg Roberts, world-language specialist and dual language-immersion specialist at the Utah State Office of Education.

Roberts attributes the interest to the savviness of parents, who know there are economic benefits for people who can speak another language.

State Superintendent Larry Shumway has set a goal to have 30,000 students enrolled in dual immersion programs at 100 elementary schools by 2015, Roberts added.

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