Thayer Seeks Dual Language Program for Cobb Students

A member of the Cobb County Board of Education would like to see elementary school students begin learning a second language in an effort to improve their ability to learn new information and to become better global citizens.

According to the Marietta Daily Journal, board member Susan Thayer asked the district’s chief accountability and research officer Greg Ewing to investigate dual language programs at other school systems and to determine how best to implement a similar program for Cobb County.

Studies have shown consistently that students who are exposed to a second language at an early age not only have an easier time mastering the new language, but also have improved English and math skills, the MDJ said.

Should the Board of Education eventually sign off on a dual language program, elementary school principals would reach out to their parent communities to determine what language their children should be taught. It would then be up to each school to find an instructor who is qualified in both the foreign language and elementary school instruction.