Student, parents praise Buncombe County Schools dual language program

Hudson Boyer, a sixth-grade student in the Buncombe County Schools dual language program, said the program has improved his memory, problem-solving and study skills and given him a broader perspective on other cultures.

"When you learn a second language, your brain has to switch from 1 language to another really quickly. This has helped me with my memory and problem solving in all my other subjects," Boyer said.

Dan and Wendy, parents of Boyer, said the family values the program for teaching culture alongside language. "As a family, we really value the opportunity to get to learn right alongside Hudson, his classmates, and other families about our teachers' culture and their beautiful traditions," the parents said. They added that teachers in the program support students' academic growth across subjects: "They are bringing in not just, you know, a language, but the math, the science, everything just kind of explodes and you see that growth constantly and you see it exponentially with kids in the dual language program." The parents also said Boyer began in the district's dual language program in kindergarten and that they observed early development of study habits.

Boyer said participation in the program also shaped how he thinks about his role in the world: "I feel like students should be part of the dual language program because it teaches you more than just Spanish. It teaches you how to be a global citizen." The parents urged continued support for the program, saying it offers "the most incredible educational opportunity" and helps children thrive.

The remarks were a personal testimony about the district's dual language program; no board actions or votes were recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.