English Language Development

Roseville Area Schools' English Language Development (ELD) Program provides evidence-based language instruction and programming support for students receiving English language development services and advocates for equity for multilingual students in all learning environments.

Benefits of Multilingualism 

For decades, we have known that speaking more than one language  has social advantages. Speaking more than one language enables people to effectively communicate and connect with more people. Being multilingual can also be financially advantageous, as many employers seek to hire people who speak more than one language. Interestingly, there is now evidence to suggest that learning an additional language has significant cognitive benefits, too. 

Studies show that multilingual brains are different than monolingual brains. For example, brain scans indicate that multilingual brains have increased areas of gray matter. Gray matter assists in higher-order thinking such as memory, processing information, decision-making, self-control, and spatial reasoning. These skills are helpful both in the classroom and the beyond. Additionally, there is research to suggest that multilingual brains may offer some protection against brain diseases later on in life such as dementia or Alzheimers. The benefits of learning another language are continuing to grow!

Sources:

• 6 Potential Brain Benefits of Bilingual Education
• The Bilingual Brain