Path to mastering English? Schools say students' home language is key

From Minnesota:  What do you do if your native Spanish-speaking students are not doing well in Spanish class, and also are also not doing well in English class? You offer courses that teach the fundamentals of literacy in both the native language and the secondary language. Combine that with classes that teach and honor the heritage of the immigrants' home and success you will find, hmmm. From the article:

Research backs up the idea. Basic skills like reading and writing can transfer from one language to another. Studies show becoming fully literate in their first language helps students get better at English.