Once again, language education in Georgia is making news as Sen. Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) and others are pushing for additional funding to promote second-language learning in Georgia's elementary schools.

This is a welcome move, as research has shown many times that students enrolled in language programs generally outperform their peers who do not study a second language. Williams points out what everyone involved in language education recognizes: The earlier one starts, the easier it is to develop proficiency in a second language.

It is important to recognize, however, that language education cannot be undertaken in elementary schools alone. It must form part of a meaningful and sequential continuum throughout the K-12 educational program. One of the main problems today in Georgia is that there are relatively few language programs in our middle schools. These years are crucial, as they can build upon the foundation that is laid by strong elementary programs to prepare students for the challenges of high school and college language courses.

For students who are immersed in dual-language or two-way immersion programs, the results are even more promising. One of the current trends in language learning is the "content-based" approach, whereby students learn other subjects through the medium of a second language. This is a powerful tool for students, as they learn from the outset that language is more than an academic subject —- it is a communication tool.

Dual-language programs, most of which commence in elementary school, are designed to develop genuine proficiency in at least two languages. These programs represent the creme de la creme of language education because they highlight not only high educational standards overall, but succeed in making students genuinely bilingual. Their language proficiency means that they will become bilingual engineers, journalists, doctors, mechanics, lawyers, plumbers, business leaders. In turn, this means that they will automatically have a competitive edge over their colleagues who do not have second-language proficiency.

This is, in fact, just what Georgia needs. We would have a well-trained work force, completely equipped with the language skills necessary for success in today's global labor market and economy.

It is important that Georgia legislators give careful consideration to funding language programs at all levels in our educational system.

To help in this process, there will be a major international language event in Atlanta on April 17-20, when the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education, in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate, is hosting the 2008 Global Language Convention.

Alex Horsley is executive director of the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education.