Why Supporting Spanish-Speaking Students is Critical
A look at Spanish’s continued popularity and its implications for the K-12 classroom.
Since 1998, the Instituto Cervantes, one of the world’s largest institutions dedicated to teaching Spanish, has published an extensive annual study that compiles the state of the Spanish language in the world. The most recent report, published in November 2022, has important implications for Spanish teachers in the United States. The numbers showed U.S. demographic changes, including how the U.S. has the largest Spanish-speaking population outside of Latin America and Spain. This trend suggests a need for programs and resources catering to Spanish-speaking students’ specific needs and learning styles for native and heritage speakers.
Here are some of the major findings and best practices from the report:
Spanish in Numbers: Who Speaks the Language?
The number of native Spanish speakers worldwide has increased by about three million since last year to approximately 496.5 million. It’s estimated that, in 2022, almost 24 million students studied Spanish as a foreign language, with 40% of Spanish students living in countries where English is the official or co-official language. The study of Spanish is especially prevalent in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The statistics reported in 2022’s El español en el mundo report are reflected in our student demographics, reminding us of the need to invest more in supporting our native and heritage Spanish speakers.
In the U.S., Spanish is Not a Foreign Language
There is no doubt that Spanish is not a foreign language in the United States. According to El español en el mundo, over 41 million people in the United States speak Spanish as their primary language, making it the second most spoken language in the country.
By 2060, the United States will be the second country with the most native Spanish speakers worldwide, after Mexico.
Challenges Facing Spanish-Speaking Students in the U.S.
One of the main challenges is the need for more English language learning (ELL) or translation services. Cultural barriers can also be a challenge for Spanish-speaking students and families, and can make it difficult for parents and students to build trust with educators.
Providing Support for Native Spanish Speakers in the U.S.
Fortunately, school districts can support Spanish-speaking families and ensure that these students have equal access to education. Some options include:
- Providing translation services
- Hiring bilingual staff
- Offering dual language programs
- Using curriculum specifically designed for Spanish speakers
For more information on the importance of supporting spanish speaking students, see our full blog post:
