Bilingual Vs. Ban On Bilingual Education

There are many aspects of the United States’ education system that many people would agree need change or in the minimal improvement. One topic under the education system that has had much controversy since it was first introduced is Bilingual Education. Bilingual Education is the teaching or practice programs of two languages to teach content ranging from kindergarten to high school. Bilingual Education programs vary in levels and languages. Some programs are designed to assimilate non-english speakers into the English language, others are meant develop knowledge of a completely different foreign language. Equally the goal proficiency of the language varies drastically. Some programs are meant to teach students the basic understandings of the language in oder to write and speak it adequately and others are meant to allow the student to reach a fluency level. One of the most popular type of program would be a Spanish and English program since Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. The most common type if bilingual program is intended to transition native Spanish speakers into the English language; this is way of helping kids assimilate into the American culture. However, the use of two languages established in the education system has been a controversial idea since first introduced. It receives differing support and has not been able to achieve a conclusive establishment in the public school system. The

The need for bilingual education is not directly related to the need for the student to have a more pleasant learning experience, but based more on the increasing need for these individuals to learn about their heritage, how they can present themselves to others in different scenarios, and being knowledgeable in both languages at a dual equivalence. The key

Bilingualism is the ability to communicate in two different languages. Bilingual education is the use of two different languages in classroom instruction. According to the Encyclopedia of Children’s Health, and many other researchers, “languages are learned the easiest during a child’s youngest years. Therefore, when a child is growing up in a bilingual home or is receiving bilingual education, can easily speak both languages. Children who grow up in a household where two languages are spoken, usually acquire both languages simultaneously. Although their ability quality and skill of each language may be somewhat slower than a child that is

Bilinguals in America experience unfair treatment and are looked at differently if English is not their native language. The subject of bilingualism is not a topic many are educated on. Uneducated English speakers use their dominance and popularity of their language to treat Spanish speakers like their language and culture does not belong in our country. Martin Espada and Richard Rodriguez speak of bilingualism in their well published essays, and they write about the struggles that American citizens face when they are bilingual in Spanish and English. This essay will clearly show each writer’s definition and arguments on bilingualism and my argument on the topic.

Bilingual Education where Supporters feel that students miss a great deal by not being taught in their family’s language. That children that retain their family’s language will retain a sense of individuality. Their ethnic heritage & cultural ties. Helping Students acquire the skills of a classroom crucial for public success. Rodriguez also discusses the use of teaching and using a single language.

Over the years, bilingual education has involved teaching children academics in two different languages so they may become competent learners and be successful at acquiring English. Before 1968, bilingual education was not a required course in American schools, but instead as a voluntary program. This changed in 1981 when a lawsuit was brought against the state of Texas that resulted in the requirement of bilingual education programs in elementary schools as English as a second language (ESL) program, bilingual programs in post-elementary grades through eighth grade, and ESL programs in high school. This type of education has been a hot topic for the state governments of the United States, debating whether to keep in the curriculum of schools. Many asking themselves, why should we to provide bilingual education for these students? What will students gain from this type of education? Studies have shown there are benefits that range from cognitive ability, educational advancement, to employment opportunities with a bilingual education, while the critics label it as a “failed experiment” that costed a whole lot of money and years to maintain a basic foundation in the second language. Although the cost is hefty for this exploration of a new language and is time consuming, the cognitive abilities, educational advancement, and employment opportunities greatly outweigh these opposing factors.

Bilingual Education involves teaching academic content in two languages, in a native and secondary language with varying amounts of each language used in accordance with the program model. Bilingual Education has been around for some time since the settlement of the Polish settlers during colonization in the 17th century. Although, Bilingual Education has been a great controversy in the United States on whether it should be taught or not, Bilingual Education in schools is necessary for the understanding and convenience of students and staffs.

Bilingual education has become a hot topic issue in the U.S. Bilingual education is designed to help students with minimal fluency in the English, in this case, are being taught academic content their native and secondary language, so they would not have to “sink or swim” or feel lost in English-only classes and drop out of school entirely. The main goal is for these students to become proficient in the English language. However, people against bilingual education say that by doing this, it will diminish or hinder the ability for students to master English. Even though I understand this argument, I disagree that bilingual education will have a detrimental effect to the non-native students. Actually I believe that most of these non-English speakers will benefit from this type of education style. Many do not realize the benefits that bilingual education can bring to a student who is a non-English speaker. Why take away a language that child will benefit from in the future? This country is a melting pot of many different ethnic cultures; and due to this pot, it has created this identity of openness, opportunity, and affluence. More of these classes should be reintegrated into the public school system in order to help non-native learners of English to better master the language and integrate into the American culture.

My project was to go and find out about bilingual education’s history, process, and the experts in the field of bilingual education. Bilingualism is the ability to speak two languages fluently. Bilingualists study Bilingualism and bilingual education, which is teaching all subjects in school through two different languages. Bilingual Education was first adopted in Ohio in 1839, due to the increase of German-Americans (Rethinking). By the end of the 19th century, many states had adopted bilingual education laws to meet the demands of new immigrants due to industrialization. When World War I came many Americans changed their views of bilingual education, due to the fear of German-Americans and the government’s new Americanization policies,

Bilingual education has been a politicized topic of debate for years. There are many whom support bilingual education being incorporated into students’ curriculums while others are adamant that it should not be a part of the classroom. Those that are opponents of bilingual education seem to fear the idea of students being exposed to a second language or becoming proficient in two languages. Bilingual education has many dimensions and definitions, which can cause some confusion, but the benefits of its inclusion into student’s curriculum are irrefutable.

Bilingual education is to be thought of "as no more than a transitional bridge to assimilation" (Duignan). Bilingual education was formed so the majority of time English would be the language taught in and the native tongue of the students would be limited. Using this method, the students learn English faster and can work with the rest of their English speaking peers. If the two amounts of languages are switched so that there is mostly Spanish and limited English, then the learning would go at a slower pace. English is needed here in America and keeping these children from learning it just hurts them. If English is learned at a slower pace, it will not be learned to the proficiency that is needed. "When you're talking about language, English is essential for success in this country" (Ferraro)

Previously, immigrants traveled to America due to the offered freedoms and equality, yet, today, many naturalized citizens suffer with injustices, including educational practices. The use of bilingual education (teaching students in both English and their native language) is growing into a controversial topic. In 1968, the Bilingual Education Act, which recognized and offered education to students lacking English, was passed, yet some question the importance of this program. Bilingual education advances the lives of native speakers, through education benefits, health benefits, and future

Bilingual education is a comprehensive educational approach that involves more than just learning English skills. Children are taught all the areas first in their native language. Oral expressions and reading are developed in native language courses and English is taught formally in English as a Second Language classes. Once the children have learned to speak English, they are taught to read it. Instruction through English in cognitive areas begins when the child can function in that language and experiences no academic handicap due to insufficient knowledge of the language.

All throughout its history, bilingual education has been a controversial topic. Bilingual education is the act of teaching topics in school in a student’s native language and reinforcing those concepts in English or vice versa, thus helping to improve both languages. This idea with nothing commensurate to it was borne to give those who did not have the resources to succeed another option has elicited vehement objections from many. In spite of the fact that points for both sides of the argument can be made, and have been heavily debated, many have reached the overall consensus that bilingual education has shown to improve one’s second language- which is backed by countless studies. Although many may tumultuously argue that there are not enough resources to provide everyone with this opportunity, with more government funding, bilingual education can benefit many, even those outside the intended audience. When it comes to bilingual education - as seen when applied on a

When someone moves to a new country, they leave everything they have ever known, behind. The sense of belonging to their culture and to their native language. Nonetheless they must start a new life and find comfort in this new land. Despite bearing some minor similarities the differences between a bilingual education and regular education are striking.