Language immersion programs known as “dual language” programs are a growing trend in public elementary schools. They allow students to become bilingual in English and another language, like Spanish. Providence Interim Superintendent Christopher Maher at his office on the city's West Side.

Providence school officials have just announced a plan to offer new dual language programs in Spanish and possibly Mandarin at Carl Lauro Elementary School.

The programs would begin with two Kindergarten classrooms in each language, then add a grade every year until fifth grade.

Rhode Island Public Radio’s Elisabeth Harrison stopped by the office of Providence Superintendent Chris Maher to learn more about it. (They spoke during rush hour, so you may hear a siren or two in the background.)

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Elisabeth Harrison's journalism background includes everything from behind-the-scenes work with the CBS Evening News to freelance documentary production. She joined the WRNI team in 2007 as a Morning Edition...