Research and Best Practices
High-quality language immersion is more than “learning another language.” It is a research-informed approach that strengthens cognitive, social-emotional, and cultural development. Below are seminal pieces that have informed my thinking, leadership, and practice throughout the years.
The Bilingual Edge: When, Why, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language
Designed for people from all language backgrounds, The Bilingual Edge gives families practical, research-backed guidance on how to raise bilingual children, addressing everyday concerns like consistency, language mixing, and developmental milestones. It shows parents that bilingualism grows through simple, intentional routines, realistic expectations, and trust in how children naturally learn language.
The Astounding Effectiveness of Dual Language Education for All
Collier and Thomas find that well-implemented dual language programs consistently produce the strongest long-term academic outcomes for students learning in two languages, including those who begin as English-dominant. When schools sustain instruction in both languages over time and invest in strong program design, students develop higher levels of literacy, content mastery, and academic success across subjects.
The Timing and Quality of Early Experiences Combine to Shape Brain Architecture
This working paper lays out the science of early childhood as a decisive window when high-quality experiences physically shape the brain’s capacity for language and learning. From a policy perspective, the message is clear and urgent: investing in second language learning in preschool is foundational public policy, not a luxury, because it strengthens brain development and delivers lasting educational returns.
