Blog Series│Listening at Scale: What Statewide Family Data Reveals About Demand for Dual Language Education

Since its launch in 2021, the Dual Language Learner (DLL) Master Plan Advocates, led by Californians Together and Early Edge California, has worked to elevate the needs of dual language learners across the state. The group developed an action plan to identify and act on advocacy opportunities to ensure the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care reflects the reality that close to three-fifths of California’s youngest learners are multilingual.

This blog series dives deep into public opinion to better understand how California’s families feel about multilingual education broadly, as well as their ability to access dual language programs.

Early Childhood Families’ Perspectives on Dual Language Programs and Access in California

Over the past three years, the Dual Language Learner Master Plan Advocates conducted a series of listening sessions in seven languages across the state. Families of students in early childhood settings expressed a strong desire for school environments where home language and culture are valued and respected. This blog post unpacks general findings from California families.

Families Are Calling for Greater Access to Dual Language Programs Across California

Since 2020, Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) has conducted annual statewide surveys to better understand how families access resources and view the schools that serve their children. The longitudinal data reflects a gap between California families’ demand for bilingual programs and the offerings available across the state.

What LA County Families Are Telling Us About Multilingual Learning—And Why It Matters Now

In a recent focus group with Chinese-speaking families in LA County, participants shared hopes and concerns that echo what research continues to show across California and the country: families want strong support for their children’s home languages and English, clear guidance from schools, and early learning environments where every language and culture a child brings is seen as a strength that is incorporated meaningfully into instruction and interactions.

The Importance of Language and Investment in the Cambodian Community

In May of 2024, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) (in partnership with the Dual Language Learner (DLL) Master Plan Advocates and support from lead organization, Catalyst California) hosted a Khmer language parent listening session. Families expressed the desire to pass Khmer to their children in their daily lives.