What is Bilingual education?
Bilingual education is the teaching of non-English speakers through dual-language curriculum in both their native language and in English, in order to promote bilingual competence.
Students who enter school systems with limited English are categorized as English Language Learners (ELLs). Different models are used within the structure of bilingual education, varying among school systems. The main goal of dual-language curriculum is to serve as transitional and developmental to the fluency of Spanish and English. Opponent of bilingual education favor English immersion programs, such as sheltered or structured. The main goal of English immersion programs is develop a student's English literacy and linguistic skills through direct exposure to the language.
Brief History
Bilingual education was created in response The Bilingual Education act of 1974 created nationwide programs to address the needs of immigrant ELL students. This law is considered to be historically significant in recognizing linguistic minority rights in the United States. In 2002, the bilingual education act was replace with No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Critics of NCLB view the law as detrimental in changing the way ELL students are taught through bilingual education.
Is Bilingual education worth it?
According to the President Obama's Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget, $732.1 billion dollars was requested to be spent on English Learner Education through grants given to states. A separate $393.2 billion was requested to be spent on Migrant Student Education.
Critics of Bilingual education argue that too much money and attention is spent on the education Spanish-speaking population. They argue that bilingual education is not necessary because English-only instruction is more effective. Many argue that bilingual education only prolongs the English acquisition of students as they are segregated in special classrooms for years. The segregation and discrimination students face in classrooms has lead some parents and teachers to turn against bilingual education and favor English immersion programs.
Proponents of bilingual education argue that schools that provide an English-only curriculum ignore the value of multiculturalism and bilingualism among students. A main issue is the assimilation of immigrants in American culture, in which generations of families lose their native linguistic abilities. Students who lose their bilingual skills will not benefit from advantages in the future such as potential employment. Bilingual education can be influential in the preservation of native languages among immigrant families. Bilingual education aids ELL students, in hope of lessening the achievement gap among Spanish-speaking minorities.