In the Americas, right to learn a second language gains support

A group of elementary-school students sit in tightly-packed rows on an early spring afternoon, at a school in Hermosillo in northern Mexico, pens poised while they listen to a recorded conversation in English.

“Can I ask you some questions about books?” one of the audio characters says, slowly annunciating each word, as the kids take notes.

This English class is more than just an enrichment exercise for students who live 165 miles from the U.S. border in the state of Sonora. It could better position them for higher education opportunities and higher-paid jobs. And a growing number of educators and advocates say all students should be entitled to second-language acquisition. 

“Learning English [should be] the right of Mexican students, but right now it’s a privilege for

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