TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Education has recognized five school districts across the state for outstanding second language programs, including a Somerset County district praised for its Spanish immersion instruction.
The awards, announced during a ceremony in Trenton, honored exemplary dual language immersion and world language education programs that state officials said can serve as models for districts throughout New Jersey.
Among the recipients was the North Plainfield School District in Somerset County, which was recognized for its kindergarten through fourth-grade Spanish one-way immersion and Spanish two-way immersion programs.
State education officials said the selected programs underwent an extensive review process that included applications, evaluations and site visits conducted by Department of Education officials and educators from around the state.
“Research in cognitive science shows that learning and using more than one language strengthens the brain and builds essential skills such as attention, flexibility, problem-solving, and self-regulation,” Education Commissioner Dr. Lily Laux said in a statement.
Laux said multilingual education also helps students better understand their communities and develop cultural competence.
State Board of Education President Kathy Goldenberg said multilingualism expands opportunities for students while strengthening communities.
“When learners are literate in their home language as well as an additional language, they have acquired tools that open doors for post-secondary success,” Goldenberg said.
The Department of Education said the recognized programs will be open to educators and administrators from other districts interested in observing and discussing successful second-language instruction practices.
Three districts received awards for dual language immersion programs, which provide literacy and subject instruction in two languages. Those districts were Hoboken Dual Language Charter School, North Plainfield School District and the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District.
Three additional awards recognized world language programs, which provide instruction in a language other than English during part of the school day. Those honors went to Egg Harbor Township, Summit Public School District and West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District.
