Experts from across Nebraska will discuss successes, possibilities and challenges of implementing dual-language programs in the state during a panel discussion from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 19 via Zoom.

The panel will be hosted by the Department of Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education and the M3 Initiative at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Dual-language education refers to any program that provides literacy and content instruction to all students through two languages, and that promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, grade-level achievement, and multicultural competence for all students. In Nebraska, there are dual-language programs in Omaha, Fremont, Lexington and Schuyler.

“Despite well-documented benefits of dual-language programs that deliver educational content in two languages, there are still few DL programs in Nebraska and across the country,” said Theresa Catalano, associate professor of teaching, learning and teacher education.

Catalano coordinates the university’s dual-language endorsement program and teaches several graduate courses in the program, including “Foundations of Dual Language Education.” Students from this course will be assisting Catalano with the dual-language panel.

Research, including projects led by Catalano, has shown that if implemented correctly, dual-language programs can provide many benefits to students. The panel, featuring parents, former students, teachers and administrators from each dual-language program in the state, will talk about these benefits, possibilities for the future, and the barriers they believe are keeping more schools from implementing programs.

Parents, students, teachers, administrators and others in the community who wish to learn more about dual-language programs are welcome to attend the panel discussion on Zoom and ask questions.